India condemns Pakistan’s ‘blatant act of aggression’ in Afghanistan, calls it an attempt to externalize internal failure | Today’s news
India on Monday condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan that left several civilians dead, calling them a “blatant act of aggression” and a “direct threat” to regional peace and stability.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that the airstrikes “reflect a persistent pattern of reckless behavior by Pakistan”. The MEA further said such actions show Pakistan’s “futile attempt to externalize internal failures through desperate acts of violence beyond its borders.”
“A blatant act of aggression by Pakistan”
“India strongly condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory, which have claimed several civilian lives, including women and children. This blatant act of aggression by Pakistan is an attack on Afghanistan’s sovereignty and a direct threat to regional peace and stability,” the MEA said.
Read also | Pakistan kills 29 “militants” in overnight attacks along Afghan border.
The ministry further said the incident was indicative of a wider pattern of behavior by Pakistan.
“It reflects a continuing pattern of reckless behavior by Pakistan and its futile attempt to externalize internal failure through desperate acts of violence beyond its borders,” the statement added.
India also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the reported attacks.
“India offers its condolences to the Afghan families who have lost their loved ones, prays for the speedy recovery of the injured and reiterates its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan,” the MEA said.
Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan
Earlier in the day, Pakistan said its security forces killed 29 militants in a ground operation near the Afghan border and subsequent cross-border attacks in Afghanistan’s eastern provinces of Paktia, Paktika and Kunar.
According to Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the country’s security forces conducted a “well-planned intelligence-based ground operation” along with airstrikes in the border zone.
Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of killing civilians
But Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban rejected Pakistan’s claims, saying airstrikes on residential areas killed 36 civilians, including women and children, and injured 163 others. She called the strikes a violation of international law, humanitarian principles and Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
Read also | The US supports Pakistan’s “right to defend itself” against Afghanistan in an “open” war
“According to reports available so far, the attacks carried out last night resulted in the martyrdom of 36 civilians, including women and children, while 163 others were injured. Three residential houses were completely destroyed,” said Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Taliban-led Afghan government.
Following the airstrikes, Islamabad and Kabul summoned each other’s chargé d’affaires to lodge diplomatic protests against the latest escalation.
Pakistan vs Afghanistan
Pakistan, which was one of the sole backers of the first Taliban government in Afghanistan in the 1990s, has failed to maintain cordial relations with the insurgent group after radical Islamists regained power in 2021. Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is also known as the terrorist attacks of Pakistan’s militant country Ta.
Read also | India reaffirms support to Afghanistan, supports peace and development initiatives
In February 2026, Pakistan declared open war against Afghanistan following a series of terrorist attacks by the TTP in the country. The conflict lasted almost a month before both sides agreed to a temporary ceasefire. But it didn’t last long, as low-intensity skirmishes along the border continue to this day.
Key things
- International relations in South Asia remain volatile due to ongoing military actions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- Civilian casualties in the conflicts highlight the urgent need for a diplomatic solution to regional tensions.
- India’s condemnation suggests a shift in geopolitical alliances and a potential mobilization of support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
