India on Monday condemned the recent airstrikes conducted by Pakistan on civilians in Afghanistan which led to the death of 51 people including women and children.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal targeted Pakistan over the strikes and said it is an old habit of the nation to blame its neighbours for its internal failures.

Afghanistan, earlier, claimed Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Paktika province on December 24 which left at least 51 people dead.

Responding to media queries, Jaiswal said: "We have noted the media reports on airstrikes on Afghan civilians, including women and children, in which several precious lives have been lost."

"We unequivocally condemn any attack on innocent civilians. It is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbours for its own internal failures. We have also noted the response of an Afghan spokesperson in this regard," he said.

Tension between the two countries escalated following the airstrikes.