New Delhi: India ranked fifth largest military spender in 2025, with defence expenditure reaching USD 92.1 billion, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Yearbook 2026. The report recorded an 8.9 percent rise from the previous year. United States, China and Russia occupied the top three positions, while Germany ranked fourth.
SIPRI estimated that India held about 190 nuclear warheads as of January 2026, compared with Pakistan’s estimated 170. India expanded its nuclear arsenal during 2025 and advanced new delivery systems. The programme focuses on long-range systems aimed at targets across China and maintains strategic balance with Pakistan.
Pakistan continued developing new delivery systems and accumulating fissile material, with its nuclear arsenal set for expansion over the coming decade.
The report highlighted a brief armed conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025. India struck Pakistani air and missile bases linked to nuclear-related roles. Both countries took steps to prevent escalation during the confrontation.
At the start of 2026, the nine nuclear-armed states held about 12,187 nuclear weapons, with 9,745 in military stockpiles considered operational. The United States and Russia dismantled retired warheads, reducing overall totals. SIPRI warned that rising reliance on nuclear weapons increases risks of miscalculation and escalation.
Global military spending rose for the eleventh consecutive year in 2025, reaching USD 2.9 trillion. India also remained among the world’s top five arms importers between 2021 and 2025.
