In a special briefing on Friday, ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming overseas visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) addressed questions regarding the extradition of Tahawwur Rana from the United States.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed reporters, “Regarding the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, it is important to note that Mr. Rana has exhausted all legal avenues in the US, with the US Supreme Court rejecting his appeal. Consequently, we are currently in communication with US authorities to finalize the logistics of his surrender to Indian authorities.”
He added, “We will provide further updates as soon as we receive more information on this matter.” This announcement comes just before Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US.
Misri emphasized that the upcoming visit would be a significant opportunity to strengthen ties with the new US administration on various mutual interests. He also highlighted that Prime Minister Modi and US President Joe Biden would engage in bilateral meetings, both in restricted and delegation-level formats, with senior US officials expected to meet the Prime Minister during the visit.
He further noted, “The Prime Minister’s invitation to visit the US just weeks after the new administration took office underscores the importance of the India-US partnership and reflects the bipartisan support for this relationship in the United States.”
Earlier, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had confirmed that India was working closely with the US on procedural matters to facilitate the prompt extradition of Rana. “As you may know, the US Supreme Court rejected Rana’s petition on January 21, which effectively dismissed his appeal. We are now collaborating with US authorities to ensure his swift extradition to India,” Jaiswal said.
On January 28, the US State Department stated it was reviewing the next steps in the process of Rana’s extradition. A State Department spokesperson reiterated the US’s longstanding support for India in holding the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks accountable. “Following the recent Supreme Court decision and in accordance with US law, we are assessing the next steps in this case,” the statement added. “The US has consistently supported India’s efforts to bring the Mumbai terror attack perpetrators to justice.”
Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-origin businessman, was convicted for his role in the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai, which claimed the lives of 164 people, including 26 foreigners and 20 security personnel. His co-conspirator, David Headley, pleaded guilty and testified against Rana.
Rana’s extradition was delayed until the US Supreme Court denied his petition on January 21. The petition sought to block the earlier court decision that had ruled in favor of his extradition to India. The decision marks a significant step towards bringing him to justice for his involvement in the 2008 attacks, which left over 300 people injured.
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks were a series of coordinated terrorist assaults, including the attacks at Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, and are remembered as one of the deadliest terror events in India’s history.
