Nine countries possess nuclear weapons: the USA, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel, with a combined arsenal of 12,121. Of these, 9,585 are military weapons, with 3,904 deployed in missiles and aircraft, a rise of 60 from last year. Around 2,100 are poised on ballistic missiles on high alert, amid rising tensions in global hotspots such as Russia-Ukraine and China-Taiwan conflicts.
Last year, India had 164 nuclear weapons, a figure that has now risen to 172 according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Unlike Pakistan's frequently deployed armament, India's weapons remain stored, reinforcing its policy of responsible nuclear stewardship.
Source: aajtak
Consider missile capabilities. Pakistan maintains short-range missiles such as Nasr, Hatf, Ghaznavi, and Abdali, covering distances from 60 to 320 km, while medium-range missiles like Gauri and Shaheen can strike between 900 to 2700 km, engulfing major Indian cities if deployed. Conversely, India's missiles such as Prithvi, Agni-I, II, and III, and the far-reaching Agni-V, which has a range between 5,000 to 7,500 km, encompass the entirety of Pakistan within their scope, illustrating the formidable deterrent India holds.
In an arms count, Russia retains the highest number with 4,380 weapons, followed by the USA, China, France, the UK, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea. This situates India as the sixth-ranked nuclear power in the world.
Source: aajtak
Internationally, treaties aimed at nuclear arms reduction are weakening due to conflicts such as Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza wars, stirring fears of global escalation. The persistent tension raises alarms over a potential third world war. Alarmingly, conflicts in regions like Congo and Sudan have resulted in countless displaced populations, reflecting a precarious global peace scenario.
Source: aajtak
India declared a 'No First Use' policy in 1999, signifying it will not initiate a nuclear strike but will defend itself if necessary. Meanwhile, Pakistan lacks such a pledge, with its use of nuclear arms at the discretion of its leaders and high-ranking military officials.
