India Condemns Pakistan’s Airstrike on Kabul Hospital, Calls it a “Barbaric” Act
NEW DELHI, March 17, 2026 — The Government of India has issued a scathing condemnation of a Pakistani airstrike that targeted the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan. In an official statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday, India described the late-night attack on March 16 as a “barbaric,” “cowardly,” and “unconscionable” act of violence against a civilian facility.
The ministry emphasized that the hospital could not be justified as a military target under any circumstances, accusing Pakistan of attempting to “dress up a massacre as a military operation” while reporting a large number of civilian casualties.
Beyond the immediate loss of life, New Delhi characterized the strike as a blatant assault on Afghanistan’s sovereignty and a significant threat to regional stability. The statement linked the incident to a “persistent pattern of reckless behaviour” by Pakistan, suggesting that the country is attempting to externalize its internal failures through desperate cross-border violence.
India further noted the timing of the attack—occurring during the holy month of Ramzan—stating that the deliberate targeting of patients and medical staff during a period of peace and mercy makes the act even more reprehensible.
In its appeal to the global stage, India called upon the international community to hold the perpetrators accountable and ensure an immediate end to the targeting of Afghan civilians.
Expressing deep condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a swift recovery to the injured, the Indian government reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with the people of Afghanistan.
The communiqué concluded with a strong reiteration of India’s support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Afghanistan amidst the ongoing humanitarian tragedy.