India to Keep Nuclear Warheads on Missiles Even in Peacetime, SIPRI Report Claims Shift in Policy Amid China, Pakistan Threats

Stockholm: The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) 2025 report highlights a significant shift in India’s nuclear weapons posture. According to the report, released on 6 February, India has begun integrating its nuclear warheads with missile systems and conducting sea-based deterrence patrols, signaling a potential departure from its traditional “No First Use” policy.

Key Findings from SIPRI

Previously, India maintained its nuclear warheads separate from their delivery systems during peacetime. SIPRI’s report indicates that India is now storing some missiles in canisters with warheads, and its sea-based nuclear forces are actively patrolling, thereby enhancing its second-strike capability.

India has developed a robust nuclear triad—land-based missiles, air-launched weapons via fighter jets, and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SSBNs). The report estimates that by January 2025, India possessed roughly 180 nuclear warheads, a slight increase over the previous year. These are deployed across all three legs of the triad.

Dr. Manan Dwivedi of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) explained to Navbharat Times that these developments reflect a global trend of accelerated nuclear modernization. “India is now considering keeping warheads mounted on their delivery systems as part of its nuclear posture, ensuring a rapid response capability in emergencies,” he said.

Shift in Focus: China and Pakistan

SIPRI notes that while Pakistan remains the primary concern for India’s nuclear deterrent, the country is increasingly emphasizing long-range missiles capable of reaching targets deep inside China. This includes the successful test of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile last year.

Strategic Implications

The policy change underscores India’s intent to strengthen and accelerate its nuclear response capability, allowing for rapid retaliation if required. Peacetime deployment of nuclear warheads on missiles is a significant step toward enhancing readiness against evolving threats from both China and Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Nuclear Developments

The SIPRI report notes that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal stood at about 170 warheads in January 2025. Pakistan is also advancing toward a nuclear triad, developing submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCMs) and other delivery systems to complement its existing land- and air-based nuclear forces.

Dr. Dwivedi observed that India’s policy adjustments are also influenced by global strategic dynamics, including conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine. He noted that these steps reflect India’s effort to maintain credible deterrence in an increasingly multipolar nuclear environment.

Conclusion

India’s move to keep warheads on missiles even during peacetime marks a significant evolution in its nuclear doctrine. As SIPRI’s analysis shows, India is balancing its traditional No First Use stance with the need to respond swiftly to two-front threats from Pakistan and China, signaling a more proactive and resilient nuclear posture for the coming decades.