India Condemns Pakistani Airstrikes, Reaffirms Support for Afghanistan
India on Friday reiterated its strong support for Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity following Pakistan's recent airstrikes inside Afghan territory. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that New Delhi's engagement with Kabul remains focused on humanitarian aid and development assistance, without indicating any request for defence or military cooperation from Afghanistan.
Responding to a question on whether Afghanistan had sought defence or military cooperation after the Pakistani strikes, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated at the weekly media briefing: "We strongly condemned the airstrikes launched from Pakistan into Afghanistan, in which several civilian lives—including those of women and children—were lost. We offered our condolences for the tragic loss of life and, at the same time, reiterated our strong support for Afghanistan's territorial integrity and sovereignty."
Humanitarian and Development Engagement Continues
Jaiswal elaborated on India's assistance to Afghanistan, saying: "We have ongoing humanitarian assistance and cooperation; we have been sending medicines and other forms of aid, and we have also been offering development projects that can benefit the lives of the people there—and that continues." The MEA did not indicate that Afghanistan had sought any defence or military assistance from India.
India had earlier condemned Pakistan's airstrikes inside Afghanistan after they resulted in civilian casualties. New Delhi has maintained humanitarian engagement with Afghanistan, supplying food, medicines, and other relief assistance, while continuing to support projects aimed at improving the lives of the Afghan people.
Background of the Airstrikes
The Pakistani airstrikes, which occurred in late June 2026, targeted areas inside Afghan territory, reportedly killing several civilians, including women and children. The attacks drew widespread condemnation from the international community, with India expressing solidarity with Afghanistan. The exact locations and number of casualties remain unclear, but reports suggest the strikes hit border regions.
India's consistent stance has been to support a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan, free from terrorism. New Delhi has invested heavily in Afghan infrastructure and development projects over the years, including the construction of the Afghan Parliament and the Salma Dam.
Implications for Regional Security
The airstrikes have heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Kabul accusing Islamabad of violating its sovereignty. India's reaffirmation of support underscores its strategic interest in a stable Afghanistan, particularly given concerns over cross-border terrorism. The MEA's emphasis on humanitarian aid suggests New Delhi is cautious about escalating military involvement while maintaining its commitment to Afghan welfare.
