India Calls Pakistan’s Afghanistan Airstrikes ‘Hypocritical’, a ‘Flagrant Violation’

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated sharply, with ongoing airstrikes , artillery exchanges, and accusations from both sides drawing international attention. India has condemned Pakistan’s actions at the United Nations, calling them violations of international law and highlighting the heavy toll on civilians .

Pakistan carried out multiple airstrikes inside Afghanistan in February and March 2026, targeting suspected hideouts of militant groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State – Khorasan Province . Islamabad said the operations were counter-terrorism measures against militants responsible for attacks inside Pakistan , including a deadly mosque bombing earlier in February. Officials described the strikes as intelligence-based actions aimed at destroying militant infrastructure and preventing further attacks within the country.

Following the airstrikes, the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan launched retaliatory strikes on Pakistani military positions, escalating tensions along the Durand Line border. Both sides reported casualties and intense fighting, with civilian areas also affected. The conflict reflects long-standing tensions over cross-border militancy and distrust, as Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of allowing militants to use its territory as a safe haven, while Kabul says the strikes violate Afghan sovereignty.

India has strongly criticized Pakistan’s military actions, calling the airstrikes violations of international law and Afghan sovereignty, and has highlighted the high civilian toll, including women and children. Indian diplomats described it as hypocritical for Pakistan to invoke Islamic solidarity while carrying out lethal attacks during Ramadan . India reaffirmed its support for Afghanistan’s territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty, and emphasized that conflicts must be resolved through dialogue rather than cross-border attacks.

During the same UN Security Council session, Pakistan defended its operations as necessary for security and counter-terrorism and accused India of undermining regional stability. Analysts warn that the ongoing conflict hampers regional stability, strains economic resources, and diverts attention from development and humanitarian issues. The humanitarian impact continues to grow, with tens of thousands displaced, disruption of aid delivery, and worsening living conditions along the border.

International calls for de-escalation and renewed dialogue remain unheeded, and the risk of further escalation persists unless diplomatic channels are effectively pursued. India continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution while providing diplomatic and humanitarian support to Afghanistan.