India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the military action violated Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and threatened regional peace. New Delhi also expressed condolences to the victims’ families, wished the injured a quick recovery and reaffirmed its support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty.

The ministry accused Pakistan of using force outside its borders to divert attention from domestic security failures.

Kabul and Islamabad Dispute the Targets

Afghan officials said strikes in Paktia, Paktika and Kunar provinces hit civilian homes, killing at least 36 people and injuring 163. Women and children were among the reported casualties.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan separately said it had preliminarily verified at least 28 civilian deaths and 49 injuries. It cautioned that the toll could rise as verification continued and hospitals treated the wounded.

Pakistan said its forces killed 29 militants in combined ground and air operations. Islamabad said four militants were killed in Bajaur district inside Pakistan and that subsequent strikes destroyed three alleged militant sites across the Afghan border.

Afghan authorities rejected Pakistan’s account, saying residential areas rather than militant positions were hit.

Why the Pakistan-Afghanistan Strikes Matter

The conflicting claims deepen tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have repeatedly accused each other over cross-border militancy. India’s response adds a regional diplomatic dimension, while the differing casualty figures underscore the need for independent verification and stronger protections for civilians.