Pakistan Will Attack Delhi and Mumbai if US Attacks It: Ex-Envoy Abdul Basit

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 A recent statement by former Pakistani High Commissioner Abdul Basit has gone viral and created serious concern in both India and Pakistan. In a television interview, Basit said that if the United States ever attacks Pakistan, then Pakistan will respond by attacking India, specifically targeting Delhi and Mumbai.

This statement has sparked strong reactions across political circles and media platforms, raising fresh concerns about regional security, nuclear threats, and rising geopolitical tensions in South Asia.

What Did Abdul Basit Say?

During the interview, Basit was asked a hypothetical question about what Pakistan would do if the United States and Israel attack on Paksitan 

In response, Basit gave a very direct answer:

“If America attacks Pakistan, we will  attack India. Our missiles may not reach America, but we will attack Mumbai and New Delhi without a second thought. We won’t leave it, we’ll see what happens later.”

This strong statement quickly spread across news channels and social media, becoming a major topic of discussion.

However, Basit also clarified that this was a worst-case scenario. He clearly said that Pakistan does not want such a situation to happen and that it is unlikely in reality. The news anchor also responded by saying that India does not want such a conflict either.

Basit further added:
“Right now, neither America nor Israel is under our nuclear range. But the world should know that if we come under attack, we will attack India wherever we want.”

Why Did He Make This Statement?

Basit made this remark while reacting to comments made by Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence. She had recently told the Senate Intelligence Committee that Pakistan’s long-range missile program could become a threat to the United States in the future.

Basit strongly disagreed with her statement and described it as “anti-Pakistan.” He argued that Pakistan’s missile program is mainly focused on India, not the United States.
He also pointed out that India has advanced missile systems like Agni-5 and Agni-6, which are capable of much longer ranges, yet they do not receive the same level of global attention.
According to Basit, Pakistan’s defense strategy is based on regional threats, especially India, and not on targeting distant countries like the United States.

Pakistan’s Missile Capabilities

One of the key reasons behind Basit’s statement is the limitation of Pakistan’s missile range. Currently, Pakistan does not have missiles that can reach the United States, which is located more than 12,000 kilometers away.

Pakistan’s main missile systems include:

(1) Shaheen-III – This is Pakistan’s longest-range missile, with a range of about 2,750 km.
(2) Ababeel – A medium-range ballistic missile with a range of around 2,000 km. It also has MIRV technology, allowing it to carry multiple warheads.
(3) Shaheen-II – A ballistic missile with a range of approximately 2,500 km.
(4) Ghauri-II – A medium-range missile with a range of about 1,500 km.

Because these missiles are designed mainly for regional use, they may reach targets within South Asia, including major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai  but can be intercepted by S-400 . However they cannot reach countries like the United States.
This is why Basit suggested that in case of a US attack, Pakistan’s immediate response would be directed towards India.

Why India is Seen as a Target

Abdul Basit is a retired Pakistani diplomat who served as Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India from 2014 to 2017.
During his tenure, he handled important diplomatic relations between the two countries at a time when tensions were already high.
Because of his experience and senior position, his statements are taken seriously by both media and political observers. Even though he is no longer in office, his views still carry influence.


Reaction from India

Basit’s comments were strongly criticized in India. Tuhin Sinha, national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), condemned the statement.
He said that such remarks reflect Pakistan’s mindset and called Pakistan a “terrorist state that cannot survive without terror.” He also said that these threats show that Pakistan is still disturbed by operation "SINDOOR" and has lost its mental balance.

Sinha added that such statements increase tension in the region and are irresponsible, especially when they come from a former senior diplomat.

Who is Abdul Basit?

Abdul Basit is a retired Pakistani diplomat who served as Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India from 2014 to 2017.
During his tenure, he handled important diplomatic relations between the two countries at a time when tensions were already high.
Because of his experience and senior position, his statements are taken seriously by both media and political observers. Even though he is no longer in office, his views still carry influence.

A Hypothetical but Serious Situation

Although Basit clearly stated that this is only a hypothetical scenario and not something Pakistan wants, the statement has still created concern.
India and Pakistan are both nuclear-armed nations, and even theoretical discussions about attacks can increase fear among people and tension between governments.
Experts believe that such statements, even when not official policy, can influence public opinion and create unnecessary panic.

Conclusion

The statement by Abdul Basit has once again highlighted the fragile relationship between India and Pakistan. While he described the situation as a “worst-case scenario,” the idea that a conflict involving the United States could lead to attacks on Indian cities is alarming.
At the same time, it is important to remember that this was a hypothetical discussion, not an official announcement or government policy.
Still, statements like these from experienced diplomats can have a strong impact. They can influence how people think and how countries respond to each other.
In today’s world, where global tensions and nuclear capabilities are closely linked, responsible communication is extremely important. Avoiding such aggressive statements can help maintain peace and stability in the region.
Location: New Colony, Khudda Lahora, Chandigarh, India

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