Former Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit sparked outrage on March 20, 2026, by stating Pakistan would target Mumbai and New Delhi if the US or Israel attacks it, framing India as the “default” retaliatory option.
Remarks Context
In a TV interview amid US-Iran war, Basit said: “If America attacks Pakistan… what would be our only option? India… if someone casts a hostile eye on us, we would, without hesitation, attack Mumbai, New Delhi.” He argued Pakistan lacks reach to US bases but can hit Indian cities.
Indian Response
Critics labeled it “jihadi mentality” reflecting Pakistan’s security doctrine using India as proxy target. Intelligence sources view it as army-orchestrated signaling amid US DNI Tulsi Gabbard’s warnings on Pakistan’s nuclear/terror threats.
Broader Implications
Basit’s comments evoke 26/11 Mumbai attacks; experts call them provocative amid regional tensions, highlighting hybrid threats to Indian metros.
