India Welcomes Extradition of Tahawwur Rana from US in 26/11 Mumbai Terror Case:

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar acknowledged the United States' support in extraditing Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Speaking on the social media platform X, he praised the collaboration between the two countries in combating terrorism and seeking justice for the victims.

He said, "Appreciate the counter-terrorism cooperation between our two countries. This is indeed a big step in ensuring justice for the victims of 26/11 attacks."

Appreciate the counter-terrorism cooperation between our two countries. This is indeed a big step in ensuring justice for the victims of 26/11 attacks. @SecRubio https://t.co/7jRRbfleyo
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 11, 2025

US Reaffirms Commitment to Justice

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the extradition and emphasized America's resolve to hold those responsible for the attacks accountable. He stated, “We extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face charges for his role in planning the horrific terrorist attacks. Together, with India, we’ve long sought justice for the 166 victims. I’m glad that day has come.”

Official Confirmation from US State Department

Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the US Department of State, also confirmed the extradition. In a press briefing, she said, “On April 9, the United States extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face justice for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.”

She urged the public to remember the scale and impact of the attacks, calling them an event that “shocked the entire world.”

Extradition Confirmed by President Trump During Modi’s Visit

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US earlier this year, then-President Donald Trump announced the forthcoming extradition of Rana. Following the dismissal of Rana's emergency stay request by the US Supreme Court, he was flown to India via a chartered Gulfstream aircraft.

National Investigation Agency Takes Custody

Rana, a 64-year-old Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin, is now in the custody of India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) for an 18-day interrogation period. The NIA will question him on several fronts including:

Operational planning of the Mumbai attacks

His connections with Pakistan’s ISI

His links to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the group behind the attack

Serious Charges Filed Against Rana

Rana faces charges under multiple sections, including conspiracy, waging war against the Indian government, murder, and violations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Authorities believe he collaborated with David Coleman Headley (Daood Gilani) and members of LeT and HUJI to carry out the attacks.

High-Level Team Assigned for Interrogation

A 12-member team from NIA, led by Director General Sadanand Date, has been appointed to lead the interrogation. The investigation aims to extract critical intelligence and establish Rana’s direct involvement and wider terror links.