India Condemns Pakistan’s Airstrikes on Afghan Territory

New Delhi: India has strongly condemned Pakistan’s recent airstrikes on Afghan territory, calling them a blatant violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement following reports that the strikes resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan.

What India Said

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India viewed the airstrikes as “another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures.” New Delhi reiterated its support for Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity and condemned the attacks that reportedly caused civilian deaths.

Context of the Strikes

Pakistan’s military claimed its airstrikes targeted hideouts of militants such as the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliates blamed for recent violence inside Pakistan. Islamabad asserted the attacks killed at least 70 militants — a claim that has not been independently verified.

However, Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry described the strikes as hitting civilian homes and a madrassa in eastern provinces like Nangarhar and Paktika, calling the action a violation of Afghan airspace and international law.

Regional Tensions and Humanitarian Concerns

The incident has further escalated tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, which have accused each other of harbouring insurgents and violating borders. Reports say dozens of civilians, including women and children, were killed or wounded in the strikes, drawing criticism from Afghanistan and international observers concerned about civilian safety.

India’s condemnation adds to growing regional unease and underscores the importance of diplomacy and restraint in preventing further instability in South Asia.