India Condemns Pakistani Airstrikes In Afghanistan, Backs Kabul’s Sovereignty

Last Updated:February 22, 2026, 21:46 IST

New Delhi’s condemnation comes after cross-border strikes that Kabul says hit civilian areas. Pakistan said it targeted Pakistan Taliban terrorists.

India on Sunday condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory, saying the strikes had resulted in civilian casualties including women and children during the holy month of Ramadan.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the attacks were “another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures" and reiterated India’s support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

“India strongly condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan. It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures. India reiterates its support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence," the statement released by the ministry said.

The reaction comes after Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan in the early hours of Sunday, targeting multiple locations along the Durand Line, with fighter jets hitting suspected Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts, CNN-News18 has learned. Sources said at least 28 TTP fighters were killed in the strikes across eastern and southeastern Afghanistan. A Pakistani security source told AFP on Sunday that airstrikes on neighbouring Afghanistan killed “more than 80" militants.

Pakistani aircraft struck the Barmal district of Paktika province, where multiple explosions were reported, including successive blasts in the Margha area. Missiles were also reportedly fired at the Banusi Madrasa in Bermal, raising concerns about casualties and damage, though there has been no official confirmation.

Afghanistan condemned the strikes, calling them a “clear violation" of sovereignty and international law. Government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the attacks hit a religious seminary and residential areas in Nangarhar and Paktika, leaving dozens of civilians, including women and children, killed or injured.

Taliban authorities are assessing the damage and have warned of retaliation, sources close to the leadership told CNN-News18. “Pakistan has violated Afghan airspace," a source said, adding that Kabul has the “right to retaliate" and senior leaders have convened urgent meetings in Kabul and Kandahar.

News world India Condemns Pakistani Airstrikes In Afghanistan, Backs Kabul’s Sovereignty

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