India’s nuclear arsenal has been estimated at 190 nuclear warheads in 2026, according to assessments by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Both organisations have placed India’s estimated nuclear stockpile at the same level, with SIPRI estimating 190 warheads as of January 2026 and FAS giving a similar estimate in its 2026 assessment.
The latest estimates place India among the nine nuclear-armed countries in the world and indicate continued development and modernisation of the country’s nuclear capabilities.
India Nuclear Arsenal 2026: 190 Warheads
According to the FAS assessment, more than 160 Indian nuclear warheads are assigned to operational launchers, while around 30 additional warheads are associated with newer missile systems under production. The FAS analysis also estimated that India possesses sufficient military-grade plutonium to theoretically produce between 140 and 225 additional warheads. The estimate highlights India’s capacity to maintain and potentially expand its nuclear arsenal.
SIPRI’s 2026 assessment similarly placed India’s nuclear inventory at 190 warheads, making it a key nuclear power in South Asia.
India Nuclear Doctrine: No First Use and Credible Minimum Deterrence
India’s nuclear doctrine is officially based on the principles of “No First Use” (NFU) and “credible minimum deterrence.” Under this policy, India maintains nuclear weapons primarily as a deterrent against nuclear threats. India’s nuclear delivery capabilities consist of a nuclear triad, comprising land-based ballistic missiles, nuclear-capable aircraft and submarine-launched ballistic missile systems.
According to assessments cited in the SIPRI Yearbook 2026, India is estimated to have operationally deployed around 12 nuclear warheads on Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines during peacetime.
India’s Nuclear Triad and Arihant-Class Submarines
The Arihant-class submarines form a crucial component of India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent. These nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines provide India with a survivable second-strike capability. India’s nuclear forces are supported by land-based missile systems, aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons and submarine-launched systems, giving the country multiple options for nuclear deterrence.
Global Nuclear Arsenal: Nine Nuclear-Armed States
SIPRI’s 2026 Yearbook reported that all nine nuclear-armed states continued to modernise their nuclear arsenals during 2025.
The nine nuclear-armed states are:
- United States
- Russia
- United Kingdom
- France
- China
- India
- Pakistan
- North Korea
- Israel
The continued modernisation of nuclear forces by these countries reflects ongoing developments in nuclear delivery systems, warhead capabilities and military infrastructure.
India vs Pakistan Nuclear Weapons: 190 vs 170 Warheads
SIPRI’s 2026 estimate puts Pakistan’s nuclear inventory at 170 warheads, unchanged from its 2025 estimate. With an estimated 190 warheads, India’s nuclear stockpile is now assessed to be larger than Pakistan’s. According to the assessment cited, this marks the first time India has surpassed Pakistan in estimated warhead numbers in the SIPRI review cycle.
The comparison is particularly significant in the context of South Asia, where India and Pakistan maintain competing nuclear deterrence strategies.
FAS and SIPRI
The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) is a US-based nonprofit think tank that researches nuclear weapons, nuclear policy and arms control. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is an international research institute known for its annual SIPRI Yearbook, which provides data and analysis on armaments, disarmament and international security.
Key Facts
- India Nuclear Warheads 2026: 190, according to FAS and SIPRI estimates.
- Pakistan Nuclear Warheads 2026: 170, according to SIPRI.
- India’s nuclear doctrine: No First Use and credible minimum deterrence.
- India’s nuclear delivery systems: Land-based missiles, aircraft and submarine-launched systems.
- Arihant-class: India’s nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine class.
- Nuclear-armed states: Nine.
- FAS: US-based nonprofit organisation focusing on nuclear forces and arms control.
- SIPRI: International institute publishing the annual SIPRI Yearbook on armaments, disarmament and international security.
Note: Nuclear-warhead figures published by FAS and SIPRI are estimates rather than officially disclosed stockpile figures. The organisations use publicly available information and analytical assessments to estimate nuclear inventories.