Bad news for Pakistan: India backs Afghanistan at the UN, seeks review of sanctions and slams Islamabad over airstrikes and transit restrictions

India has strongly backed Afghanistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), calling for a review of the sanctions imposed on the country and urging the international community to adopt a fresh approach. During a UNSC meeting, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Parvathaneni Harish, said the political situation in Afghanistan has changed significantly and that the existing sanctions regime should be reconsidered. India also criticised Pakistan over its airstrikes inside Afghanistan and raised concerns about restrictions on trade and transit that continue to affect the landlocked nation.

India calls for review of UN sanctions on Afghanistan

Speaking at the UNSC, Parvathaneni Harish said the current sanctions imposed on Afghanistan have become less effective due to changing political realities in the country. He stressed that the international community should rethink its engagement with Afghanistan and move beyond punitive measures that may no longer serve their intended purpose.

India argued that reassessing the sanctions could help improve humanitarian conditions and create opportunities for greater regional stability. The remarks highlighted New Delhi’s view that international policies should reflect the present situation rather than continue relying on outdated restrictions.

India criticises Pakistan over airstrikes

India also condemned Pakistan’s reported airstrikes inside Afghanistan. Referring to findings by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Harish said the attacks had caused civilian casualties and raised serious humanitarian concerns.

He emphasised that violence against civilians remains a major concern and called for greater restraint. India’s statement came at a time when tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained high due to repeated border disputes and military actions.

By raising the issue at the UN, India highlighted the need to protect civilians and resolve disputes through dialogue instead of military action.

Concerns over Pakistan’s trade and transit restrictions

India also accused Pakistan of imposing unnecessary trade and transit restrictions on Afghanistan. Since Afghanistan is a landlocked country, it has traditionally depended on Pakistan for access to international markets.

According to India, the continued closure of border crossings has disrupted trade, affected the movement of goods, and created difficulties for ordinary people. New Delhi urged Islamabad to remove these restrictions so that Afghanistan can maintain normal trade and economic activity.

India maintained that improved regional connectivity is essential for Afghanistan’s economic recovery and long-term stability.

What India’s position means

India’s latest remarks at the United Nations reflect its continued support for Afghanistan’s development and stability. By seeking a review of UN sanctions, criticising Pakistan’s military actions, and calling for unrestricted trade access, New Delhi has signalled that it wants a more constructive international approach toward Afghanistan.

The statement also underlines India’s broader diplomatic strategy of supporting humanitarian concerns, regional connectivity, and peaceful engagement. As discussions on Afghanistan continue at global forums, India’s position is expected to remain focused on encouraging stability while urging the international community to reassess policies that may no longer match the country’s current political landscape.