While Trump and Xi’s meeting may focus on trade, tech, Taiwan and AI, analysts argue nuclear weapons are the most urgent issue. After New START expired in February, US arms-control officials warned China is expanding and modernising its atomic arsenal, estimating 600 warheads now and 1,000 by 2030, alongside new delivery systems. The US also alleged China conducted nuclear tests using “decoupling” to evade monitoring, claims China denies.
Russia says it has completed a successful test of the Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, with President Vladimir Putin calling it the world’s most powerful missile system. The weapon is designed to evade or penetrate missile defenses, and Russia expects it to be operational by year end. The test signals continued push to strengthen strategic deterrence.
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A new Congressional Budget Office analysis estimates President Donald Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defense plan will cost about USD 1.2 trillion over two decades. The figure is far higher than what was initially presented, underscoring the scale of funding required for the proposed system aimed at protecting the United States.
During last year’s Indo-Pak conflict, an Indian Air Force unit in Haryana reportedly used the Barak-8 air defence system—deployed from Sirsa—to intercept and destroy a Pakistani ballistic missile that may have been aimed at Delhi. The successful engagement is being cited as evidence of India’s growing capability to track, neutralize and prevent high-impact missile strikes.
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