Federation of American Scientists Estimates India Has 190 Nuclear Warheads
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Policies of other countries affecting India· Prelims·
Nuclear modernization and strategic stability: a key GS2 International Relations and security study.
Why in news
The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) released an estimate stating India possesses approximately 190 nuclear warheads as part of its modernization efforts.
Background
The FAS Nuclear Information Project, led by Hans Kristensen, estimated India's arsenal includes 30 warheads for new missiles under production. The report suggests India has enough plutonium for up to 225 warheads based on a 4kg per warhead assumption.
Facts for Prelims
- FactFAS estimate: India has around 190 nuclear warheads.
- FactFAS estimate: 30 warheads are for new missiles currently under production.
- FactFAS estimate: India has enough plutonium for up to 225 warheads.
- FactFAS report basis: Open sources and satellite imagery.
Prelims practice question
According to the Federation of American Scientists estimate, how many warheads does India have enough plutonium to produce?
- (a)300
- (b)225
- (c)400
- (d)150
Show answer
Answer: (b) 225 — The report suggests India has enough plutonium for up to 225 warheads based on a 4kg per warhead assumption.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the implications of India's 'credible minimum deterrence' and 'no first use' policy in the context of regional nuclear stability.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Strategic ambiguity: Balancing transparency with security needs in nuclear modernization
- Non-proliferation dynamics: Impact of independent nuclear capabilities on regional arms race
- Technological parity: Influence of missile modernization on India's strategic posture
Keywords: credible minimum deterrence · no first use · nuclear modernization · strategic stability · non-proliferation
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.