New Delhi: India on Monday strongly condemned the air strikes carried out by Pakistan in eastern Afghanistan, calling them a clear violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and a serious threat to regional peace and stability. The strikes reportedly resulted in significant civilian casualties, including women and children.
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India strongly denounces the Pakistani military action and described it as an act of aggression that undermines Afghanistan’s territorial integrity.
The MEA further stated that the incident reflects “Pakistan’s persistent pattern of reckless behaviour” and accused Islamabad of attempting to divert attention from its internal challenges through external military actions.
“India strongly condemns Pakistan’s air strikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in several civilian casualties, including women and children. This blatant act of aggression is an assault on Afghanistan’s sovereignty and a direct threat to regional peace and stability,” the ministry said.
The statement added that such actions demonstrate a broader and consistent pattern of conduct by Pakistan, which it described as an attempt to “externalise internal failures through desperate acts of violence beyond its borders.”
India also expressed deep condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. It reiterated its firm support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
The reaction comes after Pakistan reportedly carried out cross-border military strikes in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar. According to Taliban-led Afghan government deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat, the attacks resulted in at least 36 civilian deaths, including women and children, and left 163 others injured. He also stated that three residential houses were completely destroyed.
Detailing the incidents, Fitrat said that in Mandokhail village of Chamkani district in Paktia province, Pakistani fighter jets struck a civilian residence, killing an elderly man and a child while injuring several family members. He further alleged that rescuers arriving at the site were also targeted in a follow-up strike.
Additional strikes were reported in Walust village in Giyan district of Paktika province and Barolo village in Manogai district of Kunar province, causing further civilian casualties and destruction of homes.
Pakistan has confirmed the operations. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that Pakistani security forces conducted a “well-planned intelligence-based ground operation” along with aerial strikes in the border region.