The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement condemned Pakistan’s recent airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province that the Taliban said targeted a Waziristani refugees camp and killed at least 46 people, including women and children.
The airstrikes were conducted on December 24, 2024 and targeted four villages in Barmal district of the eastern province of Paktika.
Responding to media queries, Indian External Affairs Ministry’s spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have noted the media reports on airstrikes on Afghan civilians, including women and children, in which several precious lives have been lost. We unequivocally condemn any attack on innocent civilians.”
Jaiswal also criticized Pakistan, accusing it of deflecting blame for its internal issues onto neighboring countries. “It is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbors for its own internal failures,” he added.
“We unequivocally condemn any attack on innocent civilians. It is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbors for its own internal failures. We have also noted the response of an Afghan spokesperson in this regard,” said the statement.
Pakistan authorities have claimed that the airstrikes targeted members of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sheltering in the area.
The Indian ministry noted the response from Taliban spokespersons on the matter, signaling India’s concern over the situation and its implications for regional stability.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as broader security concerns in South Asia. India’s condemnation highlights the ongoing complexities of the region’s political and humanitarian challenges.
