Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Yearbook 2026

About Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Yearbook 2026

• Released by: It is an annual assessment released by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
• It provides an overview of developments in international security, weapons and technology, military expenditure, arms production and the arms trade, and armed conflicts and conflict management, along with efforts to control conventional, nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
• First edition: SIPRI has been publishing its flagship SIPRI Yearbook since 1969.
• Key findings related to India:
  • Expansion of nuclear arsenals: India is estimated to have moderately expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2025 while continuing the development of new nuclear delivery systems.
    • According to estimates, India’s nuclear stockpile grew to approximately 190 warheads by early 2026, up from around 180 warheads in 2025.
  • Nuclear modernisation: India’s ongoing nuclear modernisation efforts are increasingly directed toward developing longer-range capabilities that can reach targets throughout China, while also addressing security challenges stemming from its long-standing rivalry with Pakistan.
  • It describes Operation Sindoor as an “unusually severe military crisis” between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
    • SIPRI reported that during the conflict, India conducted strikes on Pakistani air and missile bases that were likely associated with nuclear-related functions.
    • It also noted that both nations took steps to avoid further escalation despite the heightened tensions.
    • It also observed that India and Pakistan incorporated cyber operations into active military conflict for the first time during the crisis, highlighting the changing character of modern warfare in South Asia.
  • Increased military expenditure: India maintained its position as the world’s fourth-largest military spender in 2025. SIPRI estimated the country’s military expenditure at $92.1 billion, representing an 8.9% increase compared with the previous year.
    • In terms of defence spending, India ranked behind only the United States, China, Russia, and Germany.
  • Major importer: India also remained the world’s second-largest importer of major arms during the 2021–25 period, accounting for 8.2% of total global arms imports.
    • SIPRI identified Ukraine, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan as the five largest arms importers, together accounting for 35% of global arms imports during the period.
• Finding related to other countries:
  • All nine nuclear-armed states, U.S.A, Russia, United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel continued to modernise their arsenals and increasingly relied on nuclear weapons as instruments of national power.
  • Globally, the nine countries possessed an estimated 12,187 nuclear warheads at the start of 2026, of which around 9,745 were held in military stockpiles for potential use.

About Stockholm International Peace Research Institute SIPRI is an independent international institute that conducts research on conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament, and provides data and analysis. Establishment: SIPRI was established in 1966 based on a decision by the Swedish Parliament and is based in Stockholm. Vision and mission: Its vision is a peaceful world with reduced insecurity, while its mission includes research, policy analysis, dialogue, transparency, and providing authoritative information. Funding: SIPRI receives a substantial annual grant from the Swedish Government and also seeks support from other organizations for research activities. Structure: Its structure includes a Governing Board, Director, Deputy Director, Research Staff Collegium, and support staff, totaling around 100 people. Key Publications: SIPRI Yearbook: It provides a definitive account of armaments and international security. Arms Transfers Database: It tracks all international transfers of major conventional arms since 1950. Military Expenditure Database: It reports annual military spending for most countries. Arms Industry Database: It tracks the world’s 100 largest arms-producing and military services companies.