New Delhi | RBN News | March 14, 2026
India on Saturday condemned recent air strikes carried out by Pakistan inside Afghanistan, stating that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kabul must be respected.
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Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India views the development as a matter of serious concern, particularly in light of reported civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.
“This is yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan,” Jaiswal said.
India’s Official Position
The MEA emphasised that actions undermining the sovereignty of another nation are not acceptable and called for restraint.
India reiterated its consistent position of supporting a stable, peaceful and sovereign Afghanistan.
Officials indicated that developments affecting regional stability are being closely monitored.
Escalation Between Pakistan and Afghanistan
The statement comes amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
According to reports, Pakistan carried out air strikes inside Afghan territory following allegations that militant groups operating from Afghanistan were responsible for attacks within Pakistan.
The situation escalated further on February 27, when Pakistani forces reportedly conducted strikes in Kabul and other provinces hours after cross-border hostilities.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif described the situation as an “open war” with Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration.
Civilian Impact and Infrastructure Damage
India’s statement highlighted concerns regarding civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure as a result of the strikes.
While detailed independent verification of the extent of damage remains ongoing, reports indicate that residential areas and public infrastructure may have been affected.
India underscored the importance of protecting civilians and avoiding actions that could further destabilise the region.
Background: Long-Standing Tensions
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have historically been marked by mistrust and periodic conflict, particularly along their shared border.
Since 1947, both countries have experienced recurring disputes over border management, militant activity, and cross-border security concerns.
Recent months have seen a rise in tit-for-tat actions, contributing to heightened tensions between the two neighbours.
Regional Implications
Analysts note that continued escalation between Pakistan and Afghanistan could have wider implications for South Asian stability.
Key concerns include:
- Increased cross-border conflict and military engagement
- Potential displacement of civilians
- Impact on regional security cooperation
India’s statement reflects broader concerns about maintaining stability in the region amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
What Happens Next
The situation remains fluid, with both Pakistan and Afghanistan yet to indicate any immediate de-escalation measures.
Diplomatic engagement and international attention may play a role in easing tensions in the coming days.
India is expected to continue monitoring developments while reiterating its position on respecting sovereignty and maintaining regional peace.
