The Ministry of External Affairs of India has strongly condemned the military attacks by Pakistan on Afghanistan, which have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and the destruction of public infrastructure, according to an official statement.
The statement described Pakistan’s ongoing attacks on Afghan soil as part of its hostility toward an independent Afghanistan and its government. India also emphasized the importance of respecting Afghanistan’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement said:
“India condemns Pakistan’s attacks on Afghan territory, which have killed many people and destroyed civilian infrastructure. This is yet another act by the Pakistani establishment that demonstrates hostility toward the concept of an independent Afghanistan. India once again emphasizes respect for Afghanistan’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Earlier, on March 9, India’s representative at the United Nations Security Council had condemned Pakistan’s attacks, accusing the country of duplicity. The representative noted that Pakistan publicly speaks of international law and Islamic unity, but simultaneously kills innocent Afghans during Ramadan.
Meanwhile, Liu Jian said that China’s special envoy has begun mediation efforts to stop the ongoing conflict.
Liu said that China is prepared to actively help reduce tensions between both sides and urged both countries to halt fighting, establish a ceasefire, and resolve their differences through dialogue.
He added:
“China’s special envoy for Afghanistan is traveling to both Afghanistan and Pakistan for mediation purposes. China hopes both sides will stop the fighting, exercise patience, begin direct talks as soon as possible, reach a ceasefire, and resolve their disputes through dialogue.”
Analysts believe that Pakistan has long sought to maintain strategic depth in Afghanistan and therefore considers a stable Afghan government contrary to its interests and unacceptable.
This comes after China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone with his Afghan counterpart Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, stating that military actions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are not a solution to the problem, and that China is ready to play a constructive role in facilitating understanding.
Wang Yi also said that the killing of innocent Afghan civilians and attacks on civilian infrastructure in the ongoing conflict are unacceptable.
