Trump announces extradition of 26/11 terror accused Tahawwur Rana to India, says 'more extraditions to follow'
PTC Web Desk: In a significant diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, the accused conspirator behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. The declaration was made during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following their bilateral talks at the White House.
“I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters, Tahawwur Rana, who was involved in the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. He is going back to India to face justice,” Trump stated.
Rana, a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, is linked to Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, also known as Daood Gilani. Headley played a pivotal role in planning the attacks in coordination with the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Currently held in a Los Angeles prison, Tahawwur Rana is accused of aiding Headley and others in supporting LeT's terror operations against India.
President Trump emphasised the growing partnership between the US and India in combating global terrorism. “India and the US will be working together like never before to confront the threat of radical Islamic terror across the world,” he said during the press briefing.
Trump also hinted at more extraditions to follow. “There are more to follow because we have quite a few requests. We work with India on crime and we want to make it good for India,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude for Trump’s decision to extradite Rana. “We will cooperate in fighting terror. Tough action is needed against cross-border terrorism. Grateful to President Trump for deciding to extradite 26/11 terrorist Tahawwur Rana. Our courts will bring him to justice,” Modi stated.
Regarding the timeline of Rana's extradition, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted, “We are working on the logistics of his surrender and extradition to India. There are a few final steps to be completed, and both sides are in close coordination on this matter.”
When asked about other pending extradition requests, Misri acknowledged that India has submitted multiple requests to the US authorities but refrained from disclosing specific names.
The extradition announcement was part of a broader dialogue between the two nations aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. During the meeting, India and the US agreed to strengthen ties in multiple sectors, including trade, energy, and defense.
The leaders also signed a series of agreements to bolster economic collaboration, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two democracies.
About Tahawwur Hussain Rana
Tahawwur Hussain Rana is a retired Pakistani military doctor who later migrated to Canada and became an immigration service businessman. In 2009, he was detained in the United States on charges of involvement in international terrorism. In 2011, he was convicted for helping the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and plotting to bomb a Danish newspaper. However, at that time, he was not indicted for direct involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Despite this, Indian authorities have consistently maintained that Rana played a role in orchestrating the attacks and have been pursuing his extradition for many years.
The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks were among the deadliest in India’s history, claiming the lives of 166 persons, including foreigners and security personnel. The attacks were carried out by LeT militants who targeted multiple locations in Mumbai. Investigations revealed that Rana allegedly provided logistical support to Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators behind the attacks. Headley conducted reconnaissance missions in Mumbai under the guise of business trips, gathering crucial information for planning the assaults.
Rana is also accused of maintaining connections with Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and senior handlers in Lashkar-e-Taiba, including Major Iqbal, an ISI handler believed to be a key conspirator. Reports suggest that Rana visited India just days before the attacks and was in communication with several major conspirators during the planning phase.
His role is largely seen as that of a facilitator and logistical supporter, which is why Indian officials have been persistent in seeking his extradition to face trial in India. His alleged connections with Headley, LeT, and ISI are crucial elements under scrutiny, making his extradition a significant step towards justice for the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
- With inputs from agencies
