New Delhi: India has strongly criticised Pakistan over its recent airstrikes on Afghan territory that reportedly resulted in civilian casualties. New Delhi described the military action as an effort to shift focus away from Pakistan’s domestic challenges and reaffirmed its backing for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Responding to media queries, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India condemns the strikes, particularly as they led to the loss of civilian lives, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan. He stated that the action represented another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures. India, he added, remains committed to supporting Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity.
According to statements from Islamabad, the air operations targeted at least seven militant hideouts inside Afghanistan. Pakistani authorities described the strikes as retaliatory measures following recent rebel attacks within their territory. Officials in Pakistan claimed that dozens of militants were killed in the operation.
Pakistan’s State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the country was acting to protect the lives and property of its citizens. He also alleged that militant elements operating from Afghan soil were responsible for violence inside Pakistan.
The development has heightened tensions in the region, with concerns mounting over the potential impact on civilian populations and regional stability. India’s statement underscores its long standing position on respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty and opposing actions that could further destabilise the conflict ridden region.
