India's nuclear arsenal estimated at 190 warheads, US think tank says

India's nuclear arsenal is estimated to comprise around 190 warheads, according to an analysis by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), a US-based policy research organisation. The assessment includes over 160 warheads designated for operational delivery systems and an additional 30 warheads earmarked for new missile platforms currently in production.

The FAS Nuclear Information Project derived these figures through examination of publicly available information, official government data and commercial satellite imagery. In a detailed report released this week, FAS Nuclear Information Project Director Hans Kristensen noted that the estimates are based on analyses of India's nuclear-capable delivery force structure and strategic posture.

The assessment underscores India's continued efforts to modernise its nuclear weapons programme. New Delhi has fielded several advanced weapon systems in recent years and maintains an active development pipeline for additional strategic capabilities. The country's nuclear modernisation initiatives reflect its stated goal of maintaining a credible deterrent amid evolving regional security dynamics.

India has consistently maintained that its nuclear weapons programme is designed for defensive purposes and is guided by principles of minimum credible deterrence. The country conducts its nuclear strategy under a doctrine emphasising "no first use" of nuclear weapons.