NEW DELHI: In a landmark move, Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-born Canadian businessman, was extradited from the United States to India on Thursday in connection with the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, marking the first such transfer in the case that left over 160 people dead.
The 64-year-old, who previously served a 14-year sentence in the US for supporting the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, arrived in New Delhi accompanied by Indian security officials. His extradition follows years of diplomatic and legal proceedings, including the rejection of his appeals by the US Supreme Court.
India Hails Diplomatic Victory
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) confirmed the extradition in a statement, calling it a major step in bringing one of the key conspirators of the 26/11 attacks to justice.
“The NIA successfully secured the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana after years of sustained and concerted efforts,” the agency said.
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah praised the development as a “great success of Prime Minister Modi’s diplomacy,” highlighting it as a significant breakthrough in the country’s long-standing efforts to prosecute individuals involved in the attack.
U.S. State Department: ‘A Proud Moment’
Commenting on the extradition, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the United States was proud to support India’s pursuit of justice.
“On April 9, the United States extradited to India an individual involved in the horrific 2008 terrorist attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives, including six Americans,” she stated.
“The United States and India will continue to work together to combat terrorism globally.”
Rana was formally requested for extradition in June 2020, and former President Donald Trump had confirmed the decision during a joint press conference with Indian PM Narendra Modi earlier this year.
Background and Implications
Rana was convicted in the US in 2011 and sentenced in 2013 for providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba, the group India holds responsible for orchestrating the attacks. He was alleged to have facilitated travel and other logistics for David Headley, the Pakistani-American who carried out reconnaissance missions in Mumbai before the assault.
Analysts suggest that Rana’s extradition could intensify pressure on Pakistan, with India expected to leverage the move as part of its broader anti-terror diplomacy.
