In a special briefing on Friday, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the United States, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that India is actively working with US authorities on the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Misri stated:
“On the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, from recent developments, you would be aware that Mr. Rana has exhausted all legal avenues in the United States, with the US Supreme Court also dismissing his appeal. Therefore, we are now in touch with US authorities to work on the logistics of his surrender to Indian authorities.”
He added that further updates would be provided as the situation progresses.
US Supreme Court Rejects Rana’s Final Appeal
On January 21, 2025, the US Supreme Court denied Tahawwur Rana’s petition for a writ of certiorari, effectively dismissing his appeal against extradition. The decision upheld an earlier ruling by a lower court that had ruled in favor of extraditing Rana to India.
- The US State Department is now evaluating the next steps following the Supreme Court’s decision.
- A State Department spokesperson stated that the US has long supported India’s efforts to bring the 26/11 perpetrators to justice.
India-US Cooperation on Extradition
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s commitment to securing Rana’s extradition, stating:
“We are now working with the US side on procedural issues for the early extradition of the accused in the Mumbai terror attack.”
The US State Department also confirmed its stance:
“In view of the recent Supreme Court decision, and consistent with applicable US law, we are evaluating the next steps in this case. We have long supported India’s efforts to ensure the perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attacks face justice.”
Tahawwur Rana’s Role in the 26/11 Mumbai Attacks
Rana, a Pakistani-origin businessman, was convicted in the United States for his involvement in facilitating the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which resulted in:
- 174 deaths, including 20 security personnel and 26 foreign nationals.
- Over 300 injuries, with attacks at Taj Hotel, Nariman House, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Rana’s co-conspirator, David Headley, had pleaded guilty and cooperated with US authorities, providing details of Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba’s (LeT) role in the attacks.
PM Modi’s US Visit and Bilateral Talks
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also provided details about PM Modi’s upcoming visit to the United States, highlighting:
- High-level bilateral meetings with US President Donald Trump.
- Engagements in restricted and delegation-level formats.
- A focus on strengthening the India-US strategic partnership across defense, trade, and counterterrorism efforts.
Misri emphasized:
“The fact that the Prime Minister has been invited to visit the US within barely three weeks of the new administration taking office shows the importance of the India-US partnership and is also reflective of the bipartisan support that this partnership enjoys in the US.”
Conclusion
With all legal avenues exhausted, Tahawwur Rana’s extradition appears imminent. The case marks a significant step in India’s fight against terrorism, ensuring that perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks face justice.
As PM Modi’s US visit approaches, India and the US are set to engage in crucial discussions, further cementing their counterterrorism and strategic ties.