New Delhi [India]: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated on Friday that India is collaborating with the United States on procedural matters to expedite the extradition of Tahawwur Rana.
Following the US Supreme Court’s dismissal of Rana’s petition, Jaiswal noted that it appeared his appeal in the matter had been rejected.
“You would have seen that on January 21, the US Supreme Court declined a petition from the accused. With that, it looks like his appeal in the matter has been dismissed. We are now working with the US side on procedural issues for early extradition to India of the accused in the Mumbai terror attack,” Jaiswal said.
On January 28, the US State Department confirmed that it is currently assessing the next steps regarding Rana’s extradition.
A spokesperson from the department told ANI, “In view of the recent Supreme Court decision, and consistent with applicable US law, the Department of State is currently evaluating next steps in this case.”
“We have long supported India’s efforts to ensure the perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attacks face justice,” the statement added.
Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a businessman of Pakistani origin, was convicted for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which claimed 164 lives. His co-conspirators included David Headley, who pleaded guilty and cooperated against Rana.
On January 21, the US Supreme Court rejected Rana’s petition for a writ of certiorari, which sought to prevent his extradition. He had filed the writ in November 2024 against an earlier lower court ruling that approved his extradition to India.
The 2008 Mumbai attacks, which targeted multiple locations, including the Taj Hotel, resulted in the deaths of 174 people, including 20 security personnel and 26 foreigners, while injuring over 300 others.