New York: India has voiced strong concern at the United Nations over Pakistan’s reported military airstrikes inside Afghanistan, describing them as a violation of Afghan sovereignty and a threat to regional peace and stability.
Addressing a UN session, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, reaffirmed New Delhi’s support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and stressed the importance of its role in promoting stability under difficult circumstances.
Responding to Pakistan’s criticism of UNAMA and the UN Secretary-General’s report, the Indian envoy underlined that commitment to multilateral institutions cannot be selective and called for consistent respect for the UN framework.
India also expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of cross-border military operations, pointing to civilian casualties highlighted in UNAMA reports. The country backed the UN Secretary-General’s appeal for adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of non-combatants during armed conflicts.
Calling for impartial investigations into incidents involving civilian deaths, India supported efforts to establish accountability, prevent future violations and safeguard the rights of victims. The statement emphasised that attacks on Afghan territory undermine the principles of international law and the UN Charter, particularly the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
Referring to figures documented by UNAMA, India noted that hundreds of civilians have been killed or injured in the first quarter of the year, with many of the incidents occurring during the holy month of Ramadan. The timing and scale of the violence, India said, make the humanitarian impact even more alarming.
India reiterated its commitment to a peaceful, stable and sovereign Afghanistan, urging all parties to avoid actions that could further destabilise the region and intensify civilian suffering.
