India and Pakistan are once again facing rising tensions after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Political heat is turning into a military threat, with both countries reminding each other of their nuclear strength. Pakistan, in particular, has hinted at the use of atomic weapons, raising alarms globally. But behind this aggressive stand lies a strange economic angle – the cost of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.
How Many Nuclear Weapons Do India and Pakistan Have?
Both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers with nearly equal capabilities. According to the Arms Control Association:
- India has around 180 nuclear weapons
- Pakistan holds around 170 atomic weapons
Both countries are continuously working on expanding and upgrading their nuclear weapons and delivery systems like long-range missiles.
What Is the Cost of a Nuclear Weapon?
Building a nuclear weapon is not cheap. According to global estimates and multiple defense analysts, it takes:
- $18 million to $53 million (approx. Rs. 152 crores to Rs. 447 crores) to make one atomic bomb.
- The final cost depends on the weight of the bomb, its design, and the quantity of radioactive material like uranium or plutonium.
These figures don’t include additional costs like missile delivery systems, aircraft for launching the bomb, and testing infrastructure.
The World’s Costliest Nuclear Bomb
The United States has created the most expensive nuclear bomb in history — the B61-12. It is considered extremely powerful and advanced. The cost of producing one B61-12 is:
- Around $28 million (approx. Rs. 236 crore)
- But including total deployment systems, its actual cost goes up to $270 million (around Rs. 2,278 crore)
How Much Have Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons Cost?
Reports estimate that the total cost of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons could be around $4.45 billion (Rs. 37,524 crore). That’s a massive amount for a country struggling with a fragile economy.
Pakistan’s Debt Situation in 2025
Pakistan is currently under severe financial pressure. Its government is negotiating a $7 billion loan from the World Bank and other institutions. Reports say that Pakistan’s total external debt is around $27.4 billion.
If Pakistan hypothetically decides to sell its nuclear arsenal — valued at over $4.45 billion — it could cover a massive portion of its debt. Some estimates suggest that the full value could nearly wipe out Pakistan’s external loans.
No Trade, No Water – India Tightens Pressure
After the Pahalgam attack, India has taken strict steps:
- All trade activities with Pakistan have been stopped
- India has also suspended the Indus Water Treaty, affecting Pakistan’s water supply from Indian rivers
This will profoundly impact Pakistan’s struggling industries, agriculture, and economy. It adds to the country’s internal crisis while it maintains a stockpile of nuclear weapons worth billions.
Why This Situation Raises Questions
Pakistan’s focus on maintaining and building expensive nuclear weapons while facing extreme poverty, inflation, and unemployment has raised many questions. With citizens facing basic shortages and the government seeking international loans, the investment in nuclear arms appears ironic.
India’s Nuclear Program Is Also Costly But Economically Managed
India, too, spends heavily on its defense and nuclear programs. However, the costs can be sustained better with a stronger economy, higher GDP, and lower foreign debt. India continues to focus on modern technology, strategic deterrence, and balanced defense spending.
In Numbers – Cost of One Bomb vs. Pakistan’s Debt
- Cost of one nuclear bomb: Up to Rs. 447 crore
- Pakistan’s total nuclear stock value: Rs. 37,524 crore (approx.)
- Pakistan’s foreign debt: Rs. 2,31,870 crore (approx. $27.4 billion)
The cost of war is massive — not just in human life but also economically.
Source: Navbharat Times
