New Delhi denounces Pakistani air strikes on Afghan territory, citing civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.India reiterates support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty while urging restraint amid escalating cross-border tensions…reports London Daily News Desk
India on Saturday strongly condemned recent air strikes carried out by Pakistan on Afghan territory, stating that such actions violate Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and risk further destabilising the region.
Responding to media queries, Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said New Delhi firmly opposes the use of force that results in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.
In a statement issued by the ministry, India reiterated its longstanding position on the importance of respecting Afghanistan’s independence and sovereignty while emphasising the need for peace and stability in the region.
“India condemns the air strikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s territory, leading to the death of several civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure. This is yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan. India reiterates that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be fully respected,” the statement said.
The remarks came after reports that Pakistan carried out air strikes inside Afghanistan, an operation that authorities in Kabul say resulted in civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure.
Officials from Kam Air confirmed to TOLO News that the airline’s fuel reserves stored at Kandahar Airport were struck during air strikes conducted by the Pakistan Air Force on Friday.
The airline officials said the fuel stock had been set aside to support this year’s Hajj flight operations, raising concerns about potential disruptions to aviation services in the country.
Meanwhile, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Afghan administration, accused Pakistan of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure.
In a post on the social media platform X, Mujahid said the fuel facility that was struck supplies domestic airlines as well as aircraft operated by the United Nations.
He further alleged that Pakistani forces had previously targeted fuel storage facilities belonging to a trader named Haji Khan Zadah.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also reported that the latest strikes resulted in civilian casualties and injuries.
According to the mission, at least four civilians were killed and 14 others injured, including women and children, following air strikes in the Pul-e-Charkhi area of Kabul.
“UNAMA documented at least four civilian deaths and 14 injured, including women and children, as a result of airstrikes in Pul-e-Charkhi area in Kabul Afghanistan last night. We continue to call for an immediate cessation in hostilities to prevent further loss of civilian life,” the mission said.
The United Nations body added that civilians continue to bear the brunt of the escalating violence.
“Civilians, mostly women and children, continue to pay the price for the latest escalation in cross-border violence. Since 26 February, UNAMA has recorded at least 75 civilians killed and 193 injured in Afghanistan as a result of ongoing armed clashes,” the mission said.
According to TOLO News, Pakistan’s military had earlier targeted areas in the Alisher-Terezai district of Khost province near the Durand Line using artillery fire.
The shelling reportedly killed four members of a single family and injured three others, further heightening tensions along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border.
The latest developments underline the growing volatility in the region, with international observers warning that continued cross-border attacks could deepen instability and increase civilian suffering. India’s condemnation reflects wider concerns that violations of Afghanistan’s territorial integrity risk undermining efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.
