According to the latest report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), both India and Pakistan are seemingly increasing the size of their nuclear arsenals. The report suggests that in 2022, both countries introduced and continued to develop new varieties of nuclear delivery systems.

This development underscores ongoing concerns regarding the nuclear dynamics in South Asia, as both nations pursue advancements in their nuclear capabilities. The SIPRI report highlights the need for continued monitoring and diplomacy to address the complexities of nuclear proliferation in the region.

"While Pakistan remains the main focus of India's nuclear deterrent, India appears to be placing emphasis on longer range weapons, including those capable of reaching targets across China," the report states.

As of January 2023, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report indicates that India maintains a stockpile of 164 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan possesses 170. This warhead stockpile encompasses both deployed warheads and those held in central storage, ready for deployment. The core materials for nuclear weapons consist of fissile materials, with India and Israel primarily relying on plutonium production.

A significant revelation from the SIPRI report is the observed increase in operational nuclear weapons, as countries pursue long-term force modernization and expansion strategies. India, alongside eight other nuclear-armed nations, which include the US, Russia, the UK, France, China, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel, are actively modernizing their nuclear arsenals. Furthermore, several of these nations deployed new nuclear-armed or nuclear-capable weapon systems throughout 2022.

Within the estimated global inventory of 12,512 warheads in January, approximately 9,576 were held in military stockpiles for potential use, marking an increase of 86 from the previous year. Notably, SIPRI highlights that Russia and the US jointly possess nearly 90 percent of all nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, China's nuclear arsenal grew from 350 warheads in January 2022 to 410 in January 2023, and this upward trajectory is expected to persist.

In terms of global military expenditure, the report underscores its eighth consecutive annual rise in 2022, reaching an estimated $2,240 billion, the highest recorded by SIPRI to date. India's share of arms imports stood at 11 percent, contributing to a total of 36 percent alongside Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Australia, and China. These nations collectively accounted for a significant portion of global arms imports.

Image source: ANI