'Cowardly, unconscionable act of violence': India condemns Pakistan's airstrike on Kabul hospital that killed 400

At least 400 people have been killed and 250 injured in the Pakistani airstrike.

• India condemns Pakistan's airstrike on Kabul hospital as barbaric
• Attack killed 400, injured over 250; India urges accountability
• India: Strike threatens regional peace, Afghan sovereignty

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India on Tuesday condemned Pakistan's airstrike on the Kabul hospital, calling it cowardly, barbaric, and an unconscionable act of violence.

The attack, which happened on Monday night, left 400 people dead and over 250 injured, and is being reported as the 'deadliest' in Afghanistan since the suicide bombing at Kabul airport during the United States withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

Pakistan has rejected the claim that it targeted a hospital, stating that its strikes, which also took place in eastern Afghanistan, did not impact any civilian sites.

"India unequivocally condemns Pakistan's barbaric airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul on the night of March 16. This is a cowardly and unconscionable act of violence that has claimed the lives of a large number of civilians in a facility which can by no means be justified as a military target. Pakistan is now trying to dress up a massacre as a military operation," the MEA said in a statement.

India also described the strike as a “blatant assault” on the sovereignty of Afghanistan and warned that it posed a serious threat to regional peace and stability.

According to the statement, the attack reflects what New Delhi called Pakistan’s “persistent pattern of reckless behaviour” and alleged attempts to externalise its internal failures through acts of violence beyond its borders.

India also noted that the strike took place during the holy month of Ramzan, saying the timing made the incident even more reprehensible.

“There is no faith, no law, and no morality that can justify the deliberate targeting of a hospital and its patients,” the statement said.

Calling for accountability, India urged the international community to hold those responsible for the attack accountable and ensure that civilians in Afghanistan are not targeted.

New Delhi also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the strike.

India said it stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan during the crisis and reiterated its support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.