EAM Jaishankar: Extradition of Tahawwur Rana a big step towards justice for 26/11 victims

IANS April 11, 2025 335 views

The extradition of Tahawwur Rana marks a significant breakthrough in resolving the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks case. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar praised the US-India counter-terrorism cooperation that made this possible. Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national, is accused of helping plan the attacks that killed 166 people. The National Investigation Agency has already begun interrogating him after a Delhi court granted 18 days of custody.

"Appreciate the counter-terrorism cooperation between our two countries" - S. Jaishankar
EAM Jaishankar: Extradition of Tahawwur Rana a big step towards justice for 26/11 victims
New Delhi, April 11: In a major breakthrough in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, key conspirator Tahawwur Hussain Rana has been extradited to India by the US. The move marks a significant step forward in India's long-standing efforts to bring those responsible for the 2008 attacks to justice.

Key Points

1

US extradites key 26/11 Mumbai terror attack conspirator Tahawwur Rana

2

NIA takes custody for detailed interrogation

3

166 victims finally see path to justice

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hailed the development, describing it as a crucial moment in the fight against terrorism.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar 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."

S. Jaishankar was in fact responding to US State Secretary Marco Rubio's remark on Rana's successful handover from American authorities to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Rubio wrote on X: "We extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face charges for his role in the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. Together, with India, we've long sought justice for the 166 people, including 6 Americans, who lost their lives in these attacks. I'm glad that day has come."

The US State Department, while confirming the extradition on Thursday, reiterated Washington's support for India in its pursuit of justice.

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated: "On April 9, the United States had extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face justice for his role in planning the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack."

"The United States has long supported India's efforts to ensure those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice, and as President Trump has said, the United States and India will continue to work together to combat the global scourge of terrorism," she added.

She said: "I encourage you to look them up and to find out exactly how horrible this was in the importance of this situation today."

Earlier, following his arrival in India on Thursday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) confirmed Rana's custody. A Delhi court remanded him to NIA custody for 18 days, with interrogation already underway as of Friday.

Rana, a Pakistani- Canadian national, is accused of helping plan and facilitate the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people, including six American citizens, lost their lives.

The attacks, carried out by Pakistani terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, intensified counter-terrorism cooperation between India and the United States.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Finally! Justice delayed but not denied. This is a huge moment for all the families who lost loved ones in those horrific attacks. 🇮🇳
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Rahul S.
While this is a positive step, I hope our justice system delivers swift and fair proceedings. The victims' families have waited long enough.
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Anjali M.
The US-India cooperation on counter-terrorism is commendable. More such collaborations needed to fight global terrorism effectively.
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Sanjay P.
I remember watching the attacks unfold on TV as a teenager. Can't believe it took 15+ years to get one of the conspirators to India. Better late than never I guess.
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Neha T.
The article mentions 6 Americans were killed - I didn't know that. Shows how terrorism affects everyone globally. Hope this extradition sets an example.
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Vikram J.
While I appreciate the diplomatic efforts, I wish our government would be equally proactive in bringing back economic offenders who've fled the country.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
26/11 Mumbai Attacks Tahawwur Rana S. Jaishankar India-US Counter-Terrorism National Investigation Agency
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