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New Delhi: India is continuously taking steps towards modernizing its defense capabilities and increasing its strategic strength. In this sequence, an important information has come to light regarding the country’s nuclear policy and deployment system. According to the latest report of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, for the first time India has placed some of its nuclear weapons in the category of operational deployment. The report claims that about 12 nuclear warheads are now deployed on such platforms, which can be used immediately if needed.

Why are these changes important?

According to SIPRI, this change is considered important because till now India generally kept its nuclear weapons and the platforms carrying them separate. New reports indicate that for the first time, India has deployed some nuclear warheads in operational units by combining them with their delivery systems. This is expected to further strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrence capability.

The report also said that India has taken steps towards strengthening underground missile silos and sea-based nuclear capability under its nuclear programme. In particular, the deployment of a limited number of warheads on nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and their patrolling is being considered as part of India’s strategic preparedness.

According to SIPRI estimates, India had about 190 nuclear weapons by January 2026. This number is said to be slightly higher than last year. India’s nuclear arsenal is part of the ‘nuclear triad’ based on the air force, land-based missile systems and sea platforms. The purpose of this three-tier capability is to maintain credible deterrence against any potential threat.

No change in India’s official nuclear policy

However, there has been no change in India’s official nuclear policy. The country still follows the ‘no first use’ principle. This means that India will not launch a nuclear attack on any country first and will use nuclear weapons only when a nuclear attack is launched against it.

India has long been clear that its nuclear program is not to join the arms race, but to maintain a minimum but credible deterrence capability. Experts believe that the recent deployment may provide new strength to India’s strategic preparedness and retaliatory capability, while its declared policy remains defensive as before.