Agencies | New Delhi:
India on Tuesday condemned Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in Afghanistan, describing them as an act of “aggression” against a neighbouring country and warning that such actions undermine regional peace and security.
Addressing the Ministry of External Affairs’ weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India strongly condemned the attacks in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Paktika provinces, where civilian casualties were reported.
“We strongly condemn the attacks by Pakistan on Afghanistan in Kunar and Paktika provinces. Several civilians have been killed. We deeply offer our condolences for the precious lives lost. Such instances of aggression against neighbours go against regional peace and security,” Jaiswal said.
He also called on Pakistan to demonstrate a firm and credible commitment to tackling cross-border terrorism, stressing that its claims must be backed by concrete action.
“Pakistan needs to demonstrate action and firm commitment and they must take credible action against cross-border terrorism before the world believes what they say they are going to do,” Jaiswal said.
The comments came a day after Pakistan said its airstrikes in Afghanistan had killed 28 militants. Afghan authorities, however, reported civilian casualties, with Taliban officials saying three civilians were killed in the strikes.
The latest military action has further strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul, which have been tense over Pakistan’s allegations that militants operating from Afghan territory are behind attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistan carried out airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan on Monday, targeting what Pakistani officials described as suspected militant hideouts in Kunar and Paktika provinces.
The strikes followed deadly attacks on Pakistani security forces near the Afghan border, including an assault in Kohat, and marked a fresh escalation after nearly three months of relative calm.
Islamabad has accused Afghanistan-based militants, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban government has denied providing sanctuary to such groups.
Kabul condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and summoned Pakistan’s chargé d’affaires to lodge a formal protest.
India’s comments come amid its broader emphasis on regional stability and its longstanding position that countries must prevent their territories from being used for cross-border terrorism.
