Though tens of millions of people in Pakistan and India live below the poverty line, both countries continue to allocate significant funds to their defense budgets, particularly for their nuclear arsenals, perpetuating an ongoing arms race.
According to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India has surpassed Pakistan in the race for nuclear weapons, while China possesses a larger arsenal than both countries.
The report highlights that India currently possesses 172 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan follows closely with 170. In contrast, China maintains approximately 500 atomic warheads, underscoring its superior regional capabilities.
Amid escalating global tensions, Pakistan has emerged as one of the top spenders on nuclear weapons development, as per the report. It also notes that India has increased its nuclear stockpile by about 5% over the past year, rising from 164 warheads in 2023 to 172 in the present year.
The report further reveals that Pakistan is actively enhancing its nuclear arsenal in response to India’s advancements, with India focusing particularly on developing long-range ballistic missiles capable of targeting both Pakistan and China.
Additionally, China has reportedly deployed around 24 warheads on launchers, indicating its readiness and strategic positioning in the nuclear arms landscape.
