New Delhi – In a sharp diplomatic rebuke, India has strongly condemned Pakistan’s recent airstrikes inside Afghan territory, delivering a stern message that underscores New Delhi’s unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. The statement signals India’s firm public stance on regional security matters, particularly concerning Pakistan’s unilateral military actions.
Pakistan’s Airstrikes Trigger Regional Tensions
The condemnation from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) followed Pakistani military airstrikes in the Khost and Paktika provinces of Afghanistan. Islamabad claimed the strikes were targeting militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). However, the attacks resulted in civilian casualties and prompted a swift and fiery retaliation from the Afghan Taliban regime, dangerously escalating tensions along the historically volatile Durand Line.
India’s Firm Rebuke: A Stand for Sovereignty
Weighing in on the deteriorating situation, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal articulated India’s position. “We have seen reports on the matter. India is concerned about the recent developments in the region,” he stated, adding, “We have consistently stood by the people of Afghanistan and supported their quest for peace, stability, and development.”
The core of the message, however, was a direct critique of Pakistan’s actions. “India is steadfast in its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Afghanistan,” Jaiswal added, pointedly remarking on the need to address terrorism without resorting to actions that violate international law.
Strategic Implications of New Delhi’s Stance
This carefully worded response is being interpreted in diplomatic circles as a calculated strategic communication. By highlighting its commitment to Afghanistan’s “sovereignty and independence,” New Delhi implicitly criticizes Islamabad for violating it. The statement positions India as a principled regional power that respects international norms, in stark contrast to Pakistan’s cross-border military operations.
The context for this friction is deep-rooted. Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban of providing safe haven to the TTP, a group responsible for numerous terror attacks within Pakistan. Ironically, Pakistan was a key supporter of the Afghan Taliban for decades, and its former proxies are now proving difficult to control.
A People-First Policy: India’s Enduring Afghan Ties
For India, the calculus is clear. New Delhi has historically shared a warm, civilizational bond with the people of Afghanistan that transcends the government in Kabul. Even after the Taliban takeover in 2021, India has maintained a “technical presence” in the country and continued to provide critical humanitarian aid, including shipments of wheat and medical supplies.
This “people-first” policy allows India to maintain goodwill in a strategically vital nation. By calling out Pakistan’s military overreach, India not only reinforces its image as a reliable friend to Afghanistan but also corners Pakistan on the international stage, highlighting the instability of its Afghan policy. As tensions simmer between Kabul and Islamabad, New Delhi has made it known that it is not a silent spectator, but a vigilant and assertive player in the region.
