SIPRI Yearbook 2026 India's Nuclear Arsenal Context: According to the annual report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Yearbook 2026, India's nuclear stockpile increased from about 180 warheads in 2025 to around 190 warheads by early 2026. India continued its nuclear modernisation programme, focusing on the development of longer-range nuclear delivery systems. The modernization effort is increasingly aimed at enhancing capabilities to reach targets across China while maintaining deterrence against Pakistan. India-Pakistan Military Crisis (2025) SIPRI described Operation Sindoor as an “unusually severe military crisis” between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. SIPRI noted that India and Pakistan integrated cyber operations into active military conflict for the first time, highlighting the growing importance of cyber warfare in modern conflicts. India's Defence Expenditure India remained the world’s fifth-largest military spender in 2025. Military expenditure reached $92.1 billion, marking an 8.9% increase compared to the previous year. Only the United States, China, Russia, and Germany spent more on defence than India. Arms Imports India remained the world’s second-largest importer of major arms during the 2021–25 period. India accounted for 8.2% of global arms imports. The five largest arms importers during 2021–25 were: Ukraine, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan.
