India surpasses Pakistan in nuclear weapons as China rapidly expands arsenal

India now has more nuclear weapons than Pakistan, while China has significantly increased its nuclear arsenal from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 by January 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

SIPRI’s report reveals that India had 172 stored nuclear warheads in January 2024, compared to Pakistan’s 170. Throughout 2023, both India and Pakistan continued developing new nuclear delivery systems, with India slightly expanding its arsenal. The report indicates that while Pakistan remains the primary focus of India’s nuclear deterrent, India is increasingly emphasizing longer-range weapons capable of reaching targets in China.

China’s nuclear arsenal grew more rapidly than any other country’s, increasing by 90 warheads within a year. Hans Kristensen of SIPRI highlighted that for the first time, China is believed to have some warheads on high operational alert. He noted that nearly all nuclear-armed states are planning or actively working to enhance their nuclear forces.

The nine nuclear-armed states—the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel—continued to modernize their nuclear arsenals in 2023. Several of these countries have introduced new nuclear-armed or nuclear-capable weapon systems. In January 2024, there were approximately 9,585 nuclear warheads in military stocks for potential usage, out of an estimated 12,121 worldwide.

Russia and the United States combined own roughly 90% of all nuclear weapons. According to the study, Russia has deployed approximately 36 additional warheads with operational forces since January 2023. SIPRI’s results highlight continued efforts by nuclear-armed states to improve and expand their nuclear capabilities.

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