(Image source from: PTI)

Signifying a major change in its nuclear arms approach, India has officially "deployed" 12 nuclear warheads for the first time. This information comes from the most recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). SIPRI, regarded as the leading organization for tracking arms globally, indicates a significant shift from years of policy in which nuclear warheads and their delivery methods were stored separately in New Delhi. The report suggests that this is the initial occasion India's stockpile is categorized as operationally deployed, instead of simply being stored away. The readiness implied by placing nuclear weapons in underground missile silos and new nuclear submarines shows an increased state of alertness. According to the report, these 12 recently deployed warheads mark the first instance where India has linked nuclear warheads with their launch systems or stationed them where active forces are present. The SIPRI report also mentions that India's nuclear stockpile experienced a slight increase last year, along with the deployment of a few warheads on a ballistic missile submarine and the carrying out of deterrence patrols.

"As of January 2026, India was estimated to possess a rising stockpile of approximately 190 nuclear weapons, showing a small growth from the previous year. These weapons are part of a developing nuclear triad, including aircraft, ground-based missiles, and SSBNs," the SIPRI report released on Monday reveals. "It has been believed for a long time that India keeps its nuclear warheads separate from their launchers when there is peace. Nonetheless, the recent actions of putting missiles in canisters and executing sea-based deterrence patrols hint that India might be moving towards connecting some of its warheads with their launchers even in peacetime," the report explains. India adheres to a "no first use" policy about nuclear arms. This means India promises it will not be the one to start a nuclear attack. Nuclear weapons will only be utilized in response to a nuclear strike on Indian land or forces anywhere. India holds a limited but efficient nuclear capability. This capability is intended solely to deter potential threats and not to engage in a competition for arms.