Washington DC: On Thursday, US President Donald Trump announced the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, to India, affirming that he will be held accountable for his actions.
This announcement was made during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their bilateral discussions.
"I am happy to share that my administration has sanctioned the extradition of one of the conspirators, Tahawwur Rana, who is among the most notorious individuals linked to the tragic 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack. He will return to India to face justice," Trump stated.
Last month, the US State Department indicated that it was assessing the next steps regarding Rana's extradition to India.
A State Department spokesperson informed ANI that the US has consistently backed India's pursuit of justice for those responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling and in accordance with relevant US law, the Department of State is currently reviewing the next steps in this matter, the statement noted.
"We have consistently supported India's efforts to ensure that those responsible for the Mumbai terrorist attacks are brought to justice," the statement concluded.
Last week, during a press conference, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that India is coordinating with US authorities regarding the extradition of Rana.
"Concerning the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, you may be aware that he has exhausted all legal options in the United States, with the US Supreme Court having dismissed his appeal. Consequently, we are now in discussions with US authorities to facilitate his surrender to Indian officials," Misri explained.
Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a businessman of Pakistani origin, was found guilty for his involvement in the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai.
Rana's accomplice, David Headley, has pleaded guilty and provided testimony against him.
On January 21, the US Supreme Court rejected a petition for a writ of certiorari submitted by Rana, which aimed to block his extradition to India. This petition, filed in November 2024, challenged a previous ruling by a lower court that had approved his extradition. A writ of certiorari is a legal instrument that permits a higher court to review decisions made by a lower court.
The 26/11 attacks led to the deaths of 174 individuals, including 20 security personnel and 26 foreign nationals, with over 300 others injured during the tragic events at Mumbai's Taj Hotel on November 26, 2008.
In his comments, President Trump praised the "special bond" between the US and India, announcing a framework to further enhance their relationship.
"I am delighted to welcome PM Modi to the White House. We have spent considerable time here and in India. We visited your beautiful country five years ago, and it was an extraordinary experience. There exists a special bond between the US and India—the world's oldest and largest democracies. Today, the PM and I are unveiling a framework to further strengthen our ties," Trump remarked.
In a significant announcement, President Trump declared that the United States will enhance its military sales to India and is taking steps to eventually supply the country with F35 Stealth fighters. He also reiterated the commitment to the Quad partnership, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
"Beginning this year, we will significantly boost military sales to India by several billion dollars. We are also laying the groundwork to provide India with F35 Stealth fighters. In 2017, my administration revitalized the Quad security partnership... The Prime Minister and I reaffirm the strong collaboration among the United States, India, Australia, and Japan, which is essential for ensuring peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific," Trump stated.
Additionally, the US President announced agreements related to energy imports and trade routes.
"The Prime Minister and I have also finalized a crucial agreement on energy that positions the US as the leading supplier of oil and natural gas to India, with the goal of becoming the top supplier. In a landmark move for the US nuclear sector, India is reforming its laws to embrace US nuclear technology, which is at the forefront in the Indian market," Trump noted.
"We have agreed to collaborate on creating one of the most significant trade routes in history. This route will connect India to Israel, Italy, and ultimately the US, linking our partners through roads, railways, and undersea cables. This is a major advancement," he added.
