Trump Approves Extradition of 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack Accused Tahawwur Rana to India

US President confirms India’s long-awaited request to bring the key conspirator of the 2008 Mumbai attacks to justice.

February 14, 2025: US Approves Extradition of 26/11 Accused Tahawwur Rana to India

In a major breakthrough in India’s fight against terrorism, US President Donald Trump has officially approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, one of the key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, after holding bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, D.C.

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“We are handing over a very dangerous man to India, one who is accused of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack,” President Trump said, confirming the decision.

The announcement comes weeks after the US Supreme Court rejected Rana’s appeal against extradition on January 21, 2025, clearing the way for India to bring him to justice.

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India Welcomes Decision, Modi Thanks Trump

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to the US administration for honoring India’s long-standing request.

“A perpetrator of the Mumbai terror attack is being extradited for interrogation and trial in India. I thank President Trump for expediting the process,” Modi stated.

The US State Department reaffirmed its support for India’s fight against terrorism, stating, “We have long supported India’s efforts to ensure the perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attacks face justice.”

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Who is Tahawwur Rana? His Role in the Mumbai Terror Attacks

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-origin businessman, was convicted for his role in the 26/11 attacks, which left 166 people dead and over 300 injured at various locations across Mumbai, including the Taj Mahal Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and Nariman House.

Rana was an associate of David Coleman Headley, another conspirator who scouted locations for the attacks. Headley pleaded guilty and turned a key witness against Rana.

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Evidence from Mumbai Police’s 400-page chargesheet confirms that Rana was aware of the planned terror strike and was in direct communication with terror leaders in Pakistan, including operatives from the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Rana’s Presence in India Before 26/11

• November 11-21, 2008: Rana stayed in India, including two nights at the Renaissance Hotel in Mumbai, just days before the terror attack.
• Email Evidence: Rana exchanged emails with David Headley regarding the attacks, discussing details of Major Iqbal, a Pakistani ISI officer also accused in the case.

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What’s Next? Extradition, Trial, and Justice for 26/11 Victims

Now that the legal hurdles have been cleared, Tahawwur Rana will soon be extradited to India, where he will face interrogation and trial for his role in one of the deadliest terror attacks in India’s history.

India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Mumbai Police will lead the investigation, with officials stating that Rana’s testimony will be crucial in uncovering further links to terrorist networks in Pakistan.

This decision marks a significant victory for India’s counter-terrorism efforts, reinforcing the India-US alliance in combating global terrorism.

With the extradition process underway, justice for the victims of 26/11 is now one step closer.

Tags: MumbaiAttacks, 26November, TahawwurRana, Extradition, Trump, Modi, Terrorism, IndiaUSRelations,