India condemns Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, "blatant act of aggression"
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India on Tuesday condemned Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, calling them a "blatant act of aggression" that threatens regional peace and stability.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said it "strongly condemns" the Pakistani airstrikes carried out on Afghan territory during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday.
It said the strikes, which Islamabad claimed targeted terrorist hideouts, resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children.
"This blatant act of aggression by Pakistan is an assault on Afghanistan's sovereignty and a direct threat to regional peace and stability. It reflects Pakistan's persistent pattern of reckless behaviour and its futile attempt to externalise internal failures through desperate acts of violence beyond its borders," the ministry said.
India also expressed condolences to the families of those killed, wished a speedy recovery to the injured, and reiterated its support for Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to the Taliban government, Pakistan's attacks hit three eastern provinces, killing 36 civilians and injuring 163. Pakistani authorities said 29 militants linked to the recent attack in Karachi were killed in the operation, a claim Afghan authorities have repeatedly denied.
Pakistan said the strikes targeted Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a splinter group of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Afghanistan's deputy government spokesman, Hamdullah Fitrat, alleged that one site in Paktia province was struck twice after residents rushed to rescue victims, describing it as a "double-tap" attack. Pakistan's military and the prime minister's office did not respond to the allegation.