The US State Department is currently assessing the next steps regarding the potential extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India, following his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. A spokesperson confirmed the US’s longstanding support for India’s efforts to bring the attackers to justice.
“In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling, and in accordance with US law, the Department of State is evaluating the next course of action in this case,” the spokesperson said. “We have consistently backed India’s pursuit of justice for the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks.”
Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-born businessman, was convicted for his role in the 26/11 attacks, which resulted in 164 deaths. He could soon be extradited to India, where he faces charges related to the attacks.
Rana’s co-conspirator, David Headley, pleaded guilty to his involvement and has since provided testimony against Rana. On January 21, 2025, the US Supreme Court denied Rana’s petition to prevent his extradition, clearing the path for a potential transfer to India. This writ of certiorari petition, filed in November 2024, sought to reverse an earlier lower court ruling that favored his extradition.
Rana had been prosecuted in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, where he faced charges related to providing material support to terrorism. He was convicted on charges including conspiracy to aid terrorism in Denmark and supporting Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The 2008 Mumbai attacks claimed the lives of 174 people, including 20 security personnel and 26 foreign nationals, with more than 300 others injured in the devastating assault on Mumbai’s Taj Hotel.
