Trump Approves Extradition of Tahawwur Rana’s to India, India Welcomes US Support in Counterterrorism Efforts

New Delhi, Feb 14: US President Donald Trump announced the approval of Tahawwur Rana’s extradition to India. Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, will be handed over to Indian authorities “immediately,” Trump declared during a joint press briefing at the White House on Thursday.

In response to a question, Trump framed the decision as part of a broader effort to strengthen US-India cooperation on crime and counterterrorism. “I don’t think India had a good relationship with the Biden administration... A lot of things happened that weren’t very appropriate. We are giving a very violent man (Tahawwur Rana) back to India immediately,” he stated. “There are more to follow because we have quite a few requests. So, we work with India on crime, and we want to make it good for India.”

Prime Minister Modi, addressing the same press conference, emphasized India and America’s united front against terrorism. “India and America have been together in the fight against terrorism. We agree that solid action must be taken to eliminate terrorism that originates on the other side of the border,” he said, referring to Pakistan-based terror networks.

Expressing gratitude for Trump’s decision, Modi underscored its significance in holding perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks accountable. “I am thankful to the president that he has decided to extradite a criminal to India who committed genocide in 2008. The courts in India will take proper action,” he added.

The extradition process was set in motion after the US Supreme Court rejected Rana’s review petition on January 21, clearing the way for his transfer to India. A team from India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) is expected to arrive in Washington soon to complete the formalities.

Rana, a former Chicago-based businessman and Pakistani-origin Canadian citizen, was arrested in the US in 2020 at India’s request. He is accused of providing logistical support to the Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives who carried out the 26/11 attacks, which left 166 people dead. His extradition is seen as a diplomatic win for India and a reflection of growing Indo-US cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.

In a joint statement, both nations reaffirmed their stance against global terrorism, vowing to eliminate terrorist safe havens worldwide. “The global scourge of terrorism must be fought, and terrorist safe havens must be eliminated from every corner of the world,” the statement read. The two leaders pledged to enhance collaboration against groups such as Al-Qa’ida, ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Taiba to prevent further atrocities like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the August 26, 2021, Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan.

Recognizing a shared commitment to justice, the US formally announced that the extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India had been approved. Additionally, both leaders called on Pakistan to swiftly prosecute those responsible for the Mumbai and Pathankot attacks and to ensure its territory is not used for cross-border terrorism.

The leaders also reaffirmed their determination to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, pledging to prevent terrorist and non-state actors from gaining access to such lethal capabilities.