'Bomb Mumbai, Delhi if America..': Ex-Pak envoy Abdul Basit’s remark raises alarm in India

Former Pak High Commissioner Abdul Basit

• Ex-Pak envoy Basit urges strikes on Indian cities in war
• Basit's remarks reflect Pakistan's internal security thinking.
• Indian agencies see comments as raising hybrid threat concerns.

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In a development that has sparked concern, former Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit has publicly advocated targeting Indian cities in a hypothetical conflict scenario involving Western powers, according to information accessed by CNN-News18.

During a live broadcast, Abdul Basit, who served as Islamabad’s top diplomat in New Delhi from 2014 to 2017—framed India as the “default” target for Pakistan in the event of a conflict involving the United States and Israel.

“What route do you think will be good for us? India,” Abdul Basit said, adding that even if Pakistan is out of range of its direct attackers, it should “never give up” on targeting Indian metropolises.

The former diplomat’s remarks, captured in a viral clip, suggest a strategic vacuum within Pakistan’s security thinking, where the inability to strike distant adversaries like the US leads to a pivot towards India. “What route do you think will be good for us? India,” Basit stated, arguing that even if Pakistan is out of range of its direct attackers, it should “never give up” on targeting Indian metropolises.

#BreakingNews | "India may face 26/11-style attacks."

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Former Pak High Commissioner Abdul Basit warns of a catastrophic security blowback for India if the US and Israel ever plan to strike Pakistan and its nuclear facility#ExclusiveStory: @manojkumargupta@AmanKayamHai_ and… pic.twitter.com/rQIZOxPoDD — News18 (@CNNnews18) March 21, 2026

Intelligence Sees Deeper Signal

Top intelligence sources believe Abdul Basit’s remarks are not merely off-the-cuff but reflect a broader narrative linked to Pakistan’s security establishment.

As a former senior diplomat, Basit is seen as echoing internal thinking, with his statements suggesting that India could be viewed as a target even in conflicts not directly involving it.

His reference to striking cities like Mumbai and New Delhi has drawn attention in India, particularly given the historical context of past attacks.

Strategic implications raise concerns

Abdul Basit also suggested that in a scenario where Pakistan faces attacks from countries like the United States or Israel, there would be “no other option” but to strike India.

For Indian agencies, such remarks highlight concerns over a “hybrid threat” environment, where statements by influential figures may shape narratives around future conflict scenarios.

Sources say the comments underline fears that India could be projected as a default theatre for escalation in times of wider geopolitical tensions.