India operationally deploys 12 nuclear warheads according to SIPRI Yearbook 2026

Exam-focused facts from the 2 July 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its annual yearbook in June 2026.
SIPRI classified 12 of India’s estimated stockpile of 190 nuclear warheads as operationally deployed for the first time.
Operationally deployed warheads are defined as those positioned with active military forces, mated with delivery systems, and ready for use.
The report noted India’s increasing reliance on canisterised Agni-series missiles to strengthen its second-strike capability.
The assessment indicates that India maintains its long-standing no first use doctrine despite the maturation of its nuclear forces.