According to a new report by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), India has increased its nuclear weapons stockpile by 92% in the last 25 years. In the year 2000, India had around 13 nuclear weapons. By 2025, this number has grown to 180 nuclear weapons. This means India has added about 7 nuclear weapons every year, even though India follows a No First Use (NFU) nuclear policy.
How Many Countries Have Nuclear Weapons?
By 2025, there are only 9 countries in the world that have nuclear weapons. Together, they have around 12,331 nuclear weapons. Out of these, 90% are owned by just two countries — Russia and the USA.
In 1998, India had no operational nuclear weapons. But within two years, by 2000, India developed 13 nuclear weapons. By 2012, this number reached 100, and now it stands at 180 in 2025.
Where Does India Stand Compared to Other Countries?
As per the FAS report:
| Country | Total Nuclear Weapons | Active for Military Use | Launch-Ready |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russia | 5,449 | 4,299 | 1,710 |
| USA | 5,277 | 3,700 | 1,670 |
| China | 600 | 600 | 24 |
| India | 180 | 180 | 0 |
| Pakistan | 170 | 170 | 0 |
| Israel | 90 | 50 | 0 |
| North Korea | 50 | 50 | 0 |
Important Point:
All of India’s nuclear weapons are kept in reserve. None of them are in a launch-ready position. Despite this, India is among the few countries with a Nuclear Triad capability.
What is India’s Nuclear Triad?
India is one of the very few countries in the world with a Nuclear Triad. This means India can launch nuclear attacks from land, sea, and air.
- Land:
Through the Agni series of missiles (from Agni-I to Agni-VI), with ranges from 700 km to over 6,000 km. - Sea:
Using INS Arihant-class nuclear submarines that can fire nuclear missiles from underwater. - Air:
With fighter jets like Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, and Jaguar, capable of carrying and dropping nuclear bombs.
India’s Nuclear Policy
India still follows a No First Use policy, meaning it will never use nuclear weapons first, but if attacked, it will respond with full strength. Even while following this policy, India continues to strengthen its nuclear capabilities, showing that it is prepared to defend itself if necessary.