Pakistan's Former High Commissioner Warns of Potential Conflict with India

Abdul Basit, Pakistan’s former high commissioner to India, has raised alarms regarding regional security amid ongoing tensions related to the Iran War. In a recent statement, Basit suggested that Pakistan could target Indian cities, including New Delhi and Mumbai, if it faced an existential threat from the United States. He framed his comments within a hypothetical worst-case scenario where the U.S. perceives Pakistan's nuclear program as a threat and takes military action against it.

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Basit elaborated on this scenario, stating, “Let’s say the situation in Iran worsens and Israel positions itself closer to us. Suppose a scenario develops where the United States also views our nuclear programme negatively or attempts to destroy our nuclear capability.” He emphasized that while such a situation is highly unlikely, it remains a theoretical possibility.

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In his remarks, Basit indicated that if Pakistan were attacked by the U.S. and lacked the capability to respond directly, India would become the default target. He asserted, “If the US attacks Pakistan and we cannot reach their bases in the Gulf or strike Israel, then what would be our only option? India.” He further stated, “We would have nothing else to do... we would, without hesitation, attack India.” This perspective raises significant concerns about the potential for escalation in an already volatile region.

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Critics have labeled Basit’s comments as reckless and irresponsible, arguing that they could provoke unnecessary tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Notably, while Iran has targeted Gulf nations due to the presence of U.S. military bases, there are no such facilities in India, making Basit’s assertions particularly contentious.

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Basit's comments come in the wake of U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's testimony, where she identified Pakistan as one of the countries posing significant nuclear threats to the United States, alongside Russia, China, and North Korea. Gabbard highlighted growing concerns over missile capabilities being developed by various nations, including Iran.

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Analysts and commentators have criticized Basit’s statements for their potential to escalate tensions between Pakistan and India. They argue that such rhetoric could undermine diplomatic efforts and exacerbate an already precarious security situation in South Asia.

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While Basit’s comments reflect a specific viewpoint regarding Pakistan's military strategy, there is a lack of consensus on the likelihood of such a scenario occurring. The absence of U.S. military bases in India contrasts with the situation in the Gulf, where U.S. presence has historically influenced regional dynamics. This discrepancy raises questions about the feasibility of Basit’s hypothetical scenario.

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• “Let’s say the situation in Iran worsens and Israel positions itself closer to us.” — Abdul Basit, Former High Commissioner to India

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• “If the US attacks Pakistan and we cannot reach their bases in the Gulf or strike Israel, then what would be our only option? India,” — Abdul Basit, Former High Commissioner to India

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• “Whatever happens afterward would be dealt with later, and we should not hold back either,” — Abdul Basit, Former High Commissioner to India

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