India may possess far more nuclear weapons than expected: Pakistan

SIPRI report increases Pakistan’s concerns

(SIPRI – Stockholm International Peace Research Institute)

Islamabad (Pakistan) – Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern that India may possess far more nuclear weapons than estimated by SIPRI. In a recently published report, SIPRI, an organisation that studies global nuclear weapons and defence systems, stated that until two years ago Pakistan possessed more nuclear weapons than India. However, India has now surged ahead. According to the report, India produced 10 nuclear weapons during the past year. As a result, India’s nuclear arsenal has increased rapidly to 190 warheads, while Pakistan’s stockpile has remained stable at 170.

The report further stated that India has kept 12 of its 190 nuclear missiles in a state of operational readiness. The SIPRI report has reportedly alarmed Pakistan. Pakistan, which has repeatedly threatened India with nuclear war, has also expressed concern over the implications of India’s expanding nuclear capabilities.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged that:

1. India’s strategic capabilities are continuously expanding across multiple domains. We are aware of developments in India’s missile systems, such as canisterisation (the practice of storing missiles in protective launch canisters), enhancing the capability of nuclear-armed submarines to launch nuclear weapons from the sea, and the development of longer-range missile systems.

2. These developments are increasing India’s operational readiness.