India or Pakistan, Which Country has More Nuclear Weapons? Check Full List Here

As per research published by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on Tuesday, India has become the sixth most nuclear-armed state in the world with 172 warheads by January 2024, up from 164 warheads in January 2023. Pakistan, on the other hand, has not reported any rise in the number of warheads. The number of warheads remained the same, i.e., 170 for 2023 and 2024.

SIPRI observed that China's nuclear arsenal has grown dramatically, from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 by January 2024, with anticipation of further growth. All the nine nuclear-armed states continued to increase and modernize their nuclear ammunition in the year 2023, the result of which can be seen in this year’s SIPRI Report. 

According to the report, approximately 2,100 warheads are stored in ballistic missiles and are maintained in a high operational alert status. The US and Russia are once again in the lead, with the majority of these missiles belonging to them. 

India Ahead of Pakistan

India increased its nuclear arsenal in 2023. According to Swedish think tank SIPRI, 2023 saw the continuation of new nuclear delivery system development in both India and Pakistan. Although India's nuclear deterrent still primarily targets Pakistan, the country seems to be focusing more on longer-range weapons, such as those that can reach targets all across China.

However, Pakistan didn’t increase its nuclear arsenal number in the year 2023. It still have a total of 170 nuclear warheads. 

Country with the most Nuclear Weapon

With more than 5,500 confirmed nuclear warheads, Russia still remains at the top of the list with the most number of nuclear weapons. However, the majority of its warheads are stored and not in deployed condition.

The United States has the most number of deployed nuclear warheads. About 90% of all nuclear weapons in the world are possessed by these two nations alone in terms of total nuclear warheads.

Country-wise Nuclear Weapon List

It has been anticipated in the report that China for the very first time might be putting a small number of its nuclear warheads in deploying conditions, even in peacetime. It has not been confirmed yet. Check the following list to know the current status of the Nuclear Forces of the World:

Setbacks in Nuclear Disarmament: Reasons

Both US and Russia have more than 1,200 retired warheads. The countries are in the process of dismantling them. As per the SIPRI Report, nuclear arms control and disarmament diplomacy had a major setback in the year 2023. The major reasons for this setback are:

• Israel-Hamas War:

Iran's attempts to cooperate with the IAEA and engage Israel in the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction were hindered by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. 

• Russia-Ukraine War:

The war in Ukraine poses a great risk of starting a nuclear war among the nation. It also has a detrimental effect on bilateral and global engagement in nuclear arms control. 

• Deteriorating Russian-US Strategic ties: 

Russia withdrew its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and suspended its participation in the 2010 Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START).

All countries in the world are on the lookout for the outcome of these war and strained relation between two powerful countries. 

‘We are now in one of the most dangerous periods in human history,’ said Dan Smith, SIPRI Director. He further stated that there are many causes of instability, including escalating armaments races, political rivalries, economic disparities, and ecological devastation. It is time for the major powers to take a step back and consider the abyss that is growing day by day.