India Condemns Pakistan Airstrikes in Afghanistan, Cites 'Pattern of Reckless Behaviour'

India on Monday strongly condemned Pakistan's air strikes and military operations on Afghan territory, describing them as a 'blatant act of aggression' and a threat to regional peace and stability.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the strikes, which reportedly killed at least 36 civilians and injured more than 160 others, constituted an assault on Afghanistan's sovereignty.

India's condemnation came after Afghan officials reported that Pakistani military operations overnight targeted several provinces, including Paktia, Paktika and Kunar, resulting in heavy civilian casualties including women and children.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the attacks reflect Pakistan's 'persistent pattern of reckless behaviour' and its 'futile attempt to externalize internal failures through desperate acts of violence beyond its borders.'

Pakistan, however, defended the operations as a response to militant attacks inside its territory. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said security forces conducted ground operations along the border followed by strikes on militant hideouts, killing 29 fighters.

Afghanistan's Taliban government condemned the strikes as a 'cowardly act of aggression' and warned of a response 'in due time.' According to deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat, Pakistani forces struck a house in Paktia's Chamkani district, killing two people, and then struck again as villagers gathered to rescue survivors, killing 28 and injuring 158. In Paktika, six civilians were killed in a separate strike, and in Kunar, about 30 livestock were killed.

Both countries summoned each other's senior diplomats on Monday to lodge formal protests. The escalation marks a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations, following months of cross-border clashes that have killed hundreds since February.

India expressed solidarity with Afghanistan, offering condolences to families and reiterating its unwavering support for Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.