Nuclear arsenals grow globally: Key takeaways from SIPRI report

A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) raises concerns about a growing trend of nuclear weapon stockpiles around the world. Here are 8 key takeaways from the SIPRI report:

1. India vs Pakistan:India has a slight edge over Pakistan in terms of nuclear warheads, with 172 compared to Pakistan's 170 as of January 2024.

2. China's Rising Arsenal: China's nuclear arsenal has seen a significant increase, jumping from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 in January 2024, and is expected to continue growing.

3. Modernization Across the Board: All nine nuclear-armed states – including the US, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel – are modernizing their nuclear arsenals.

4. New Delivery Systems: Several countries, including India and Pakistan, are developing new delivery systems for their nuclear weapons, potentially increasing their reach and impact.

5. Shifting Focus for India:  While Pakistan remains a key concern for India's nuclear deterrence, the report suggests India might be placing a growing emphasis on developing longer-range weapons capable of reaching targets in China.

6. North Korea's Expansion: North Korea's nuclear program is also a growing concern. SIPRI estimates they possess around 50 nuclear warheads now, with the potential to reach 90, significantly more than previous estimates.

7. US-Russia Stockpiles Relatively Stable: The stockpiles of the US and Russia, which hold nearly 90% of the world's nuclear weapons, have remained relatively stable. However, Russia is estimated to have deployed more warheads with operational forces compared to January 2023.

8. Decreased Transparency: Transparency regarding nuclear forces has declined, particularly between Russia and the US, in the wake of recent geopolitical tensions.

The SIPRI report highlights a worrying trend of nuclear weapon modernization and expansion. This raises concerns about potential escalation and underscores the urgency for renewed efforts towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.