India and Pakistan's nuclear race escalates amid tensions
India and Pakistan, which have been in conflict for decades, are intensifying their work on new nuclear weapon delivery technologies. These conclusions are drawn from the latest report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
What do you need to know?
- India announced early Wednesday morning Eastern Time that it had launched a military operation against Pakistan, striking "terror infrastructure" both in Pakistan and in the Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan responded with attacks on Indian aircraft.
- Both countries are intensifying their work on new nuclear weapon delivery technologies, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report.
- Experts indicate that India is focusing on developing long-range weapons capable of reaching China, while Pakistan's primary nuclear deterrent target is India.
According to Swedish experts, India currently has 172 nuclear warheads, which is an increase of eight units compared to 2023. Meanwhile, Pakistan's arsenal remains at about 170 warheads.
The report emphasizes that Pakistan's primary nuclear deterrent target is India. Meanwhile, India is increasingly focusing on developing weapons with a longer range, capable of reaching China.
No first use nuclear doctrine. India's declaration
It was recalled that in 1999, India declared adherence to a no-first-use nuclear doctrine (NFU). However, in 2003, this commitment was limited, and these changes were confirmed in 2018. Since then, India may use nuclear forces in response to attacks with conventional weapons.
According to SIPRI, in June 2023, the Indian military successfully tested the new Agni-P ballistic missile, which is capable of carrying a nuclear payload.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has not declared an NFU doctrine at all. The report estimates that in 2024, the country possessed a small stockpile of nuclear bombs and was modernizing cruise missiles with a range of approximately 350-590 kilometres, capable of carrying nuclear payloads. SIPRI also notes that in response to India's arms investments, Pakistan is expanding its air defense systems.
Practices contrary to UN principles
India conducted its first nuclear missile test in 1974, whereas Pakistan did so in 1998.
The possession of nuclear weapons by both countries contradicts UN principles, which reserve the right to maintain nuclear arsenals to the permanent members of the Security Council: the USA, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom.
