India’s nuclear arsenal has been estimated at 190 warheads, according to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) in its 2026 assessment of global nuclear forces. This places India roughly 20 warheads ahead of Pakistan, and analysts say New Delhi could soon overtake the UK’s estimated 225‑warhead stockpile as it continues expanding its nuclear‑capable systems.
FAS notes that India currently operates nine nuclear‑capable delivery systems, including two aircraft and six land‑based ballistic missiles, with additional systems under development. The report estimates that India’s operational forces can deliver over 160 warheads, while the total stockpile — including warheads produced for missiles still in production — reaches up to 190.
India’s growing arsenal is supported by an estimated 730 kg of weapon‑grade plutonium, with a margin of error of about 170 kg, according to the International Panel on Fissile Materials. Assuming each warhead requires around 4 kg of plutonium, India’s stockpile could theoretically support 140 to 225 warheads.
Despite this expansion, India continues to adhere to its long‑standing no‑first‑use (NFU) nuclear policy, which reduces pressure to maintain forces on high alert. The FAS report suggests that a more mature sea‑based retaliatory capability — such as nuclear‑armed submarines — could further reduce reliance on land‑based systems.
Pakistan, by contrast, does not follow an NFU policy and explicitly reserves the right to use nuclear weapons first, shaping the strategic balance in South Asia.