In a statement by MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, India unequivocally denounced the attack as a "cowardly and unconscionable act of violence". MEA said the facility could by no means be justified as a military target and accused Pakistan of trying to "dress up a massacre as a military operation"
Afghan municipality workers clear debris from the site after Pakistani airstrikes hit the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul. PIC/AFP
India on Tuesday strongly condemned Pakistan for its airstrike on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul on Monday night, which claimed hundreds of civilian lives and injured several others, news agency ANI reported.
In a statement by Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, India unequivocally denounced the attack as a "cowardly and unconscionable act of violence". The MEA said the facility could by no means be justified as a military target and accused Pakistan of trying to "dress up a massacre as a military operation".
"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 statement read.
Our statement on Pakistan’s cowardly targeting of Kabul Hospital
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 17, 2026
🔗 https://t.co/uYbQhhc8MC pic.twitter.com/KVEaLyBtTB
The MEA called it a heinous act of aggression and a blatant assault on Afghanistan's sovereignty, a direct threat to regional peace and stability, reflecting Pakistan's reckless pattern of behaviour and attempts to externalise internal failures through desperate cross-border violence.
The statement highlighted the attack's timing during Ramzan—a month of peace, reflection, and mercy—making it "all the more reprehensible". "There is no faith, no law, and no morality that can justify the deliberate targeting of a hospital and its patients," it added.
India urged the international community to hold perpetrators accountable and stop Pakistan's targeting of Afghan civilians without delay.
Reiterate our unwavering support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan: MEA
"India extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, wishes a swift recovery to those injured, and stands in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan in this tragic moment. We also reiterate our unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan," the statement concluded.
Afghanistan's Taliban authorities reported around 400 deaths and 250 injuries in the strike on the 2,000-bed Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital at about 9 PM Monday. Deputy Spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat said large sections were destroyed, with rescue teams working to control fires and recover bodies.
Tolo News and Khaama Press noted this was not isolated, citing prior Pakistani strikes on civilians (including women and children) in Afghan provinces. Kabul residents reported damage to dozens of homes from explosions.
Khaama Press sources said a Pakistani aircraft bombed a Taliban facility in Ghani Khel, Nangarhar, late Monday.
Samaa News (Pakistan), citing security sources, said strikes targeted Taliban-linked sites in Kabul (two locations: technical/ammunition facilities) and Nangarhar (four military sites, logistics/ammunition depots). They rejected hospital targeting claims as "ridiculous".
Taliban Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told TOLOnews the "time for diplomacy with Pakistan is over" and the attack "must be avenged".
(With ANI inputs)
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