India has strongly condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Paktika provinces, describing such actions as detrimental to regional peace and security.
Addressing reporters during his weekly media briefing on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that acts of aggression against a sovereign neighbour undermine regional stability and security.
He reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for the welfare and well-being of its people.
Expressing condolences over the loss of civilian lives in the airstrikes, Jaiswal also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the attacks.
Responding to remarks by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir that Pakistan’s armed forces remain committed to defeating terrorism, Jaiswal said Pakistan must back its statements with concrete action and a demonstrated commitment to combating terrorism.
He asserted that Islamabad needed to take credible action against cross-border terrorism before the international community could place confidence in its rhetoric.
On the recent Court of Arbitration ruling concerning the Indus Waters Treaty, India maintained that the decision was not a ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, as portrayed by Pakistan, but of what New Delhi described as an illegally constituted court.
India views the development as yet another attempt by Pakistan to distort facts, Jaiswal said, adding that Islamabad has a history of misrepresenting realities and spreading false narratives to advance what he termed its malicious propaganda.
Replying to another query, the MEA spokesperson said External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar met his Ukrainian counterpart on Monday.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Jaiswal said Dr Jaishankar reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The spokesperson added that India remains in touch with both sides and has conveyed its willingness to contribute in any manner that could support peace efforts. He expressed hope that the conflict would ultimately be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic engagement.
On India-Bangladesh relations, Jaiswal said India seeks a positive, constructive and forward-looking partnership with Bangladesh.
He emphasized that New Delhi remains prepared to discuss all bilateral issues through established diplomatic mechanisms.
