India on Monday said the killing of prominent Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti in a military attack was unfortunate and said the grievances and aspirations of the people of Balochistan should be resolved through dialogue and not military force.

"The unfortunate killing of the veteran Baloch leader is a tragic loss to the people of Balochistan and Pakistan," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said in response to questions.

He said the military attack, in which two of Bugti's grandsons were also killed, and the "heavy casualties in the continuing military operations in Balochistan underline the need for peaceful dialogue to address the grievances and aspirations of people of Balochistan."

New Delhi said the Baloch leader's death leaves a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.

India has been protesting against the use of force by Pakistan against the people of Balochistan who are seeking their rightful share in the resources like gas reserves that their region has.

The Pakistani Army has been conducting military operations for the last six months to quell a virtual uprising in the region and has used heavy weaponry including helicopter gun ships and missiles.