New Delhi, Dec. 8 -- India reiterated its strong backing for Afghanistan's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, condemning reports of Afghan civilian casualties during continuing clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Addressing questions at a regular media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We have seen reports of border clashes in which several Afghan civilians have been killed. We condemn such attacks on innocent Afghan people. India strongly supports the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Afghanistan."

His comments came amid days of cross-border fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces, with both sides accusing each other of provoking the viole...