India on Monday strongly condemned Pakistan's air strikes in Afghanistan that reportedly killed several civilians, including women and children, describing the attacks as a "blatant act of aggression" and a violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the strikes posed 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 MEA said.
India also expressed condolences to the families of those killed and reaffirmed its support for Afghanistan.
"India conveys its condolences to Afghan families that have lost loved ones, prays for the early recovery of those injured, and reiterates its unwavering support for Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the statement added.
According to Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry, Pakistani air strikes targeted residential areas, killing 36 civilians, including women and children, and injuring 163 others. Kabul described the attacks as a violation of international law, humanitarian principles and Afghanistan's sovereignty.
Cross-border tensions escalated sharply after Pakistan carried out air strikes at three locations—Paktia, Paktika and Kunar—which Islamabad said were being used by militant groups.
Pakistan also said its security forces killed 29 militants in a separate ground operation. Following the escalation, both Islamabad and Kabul summoned each other's charge d'affaires to lodge diplomatic protests.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, confirmed that one of its commanders, Khan Ferosh alias Zabul, was killed during the operation in Bajaur.
Afghan government spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat said the strikes killed 38 civilians and injured 163 others, including women and children.
According to reports, a second strike hit the area as residents rushed to rescue the wounded.
"Everyone was asleep when the aircraft came and began attacking this house. Inside the house were children, women, men and elderly people," resident Mata Khan told Reuters.
