After meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States would extradite Tahawwur Rana, a key figure in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. “We are handing over a very dangerous man to India, one who is accused of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack,” President Trump stated. Currently, Rana is held in a high-security US prison, and India has long sought his extradition.

Supreme Court Decision Paves the Way

On January 21, 2025, the US Supreme Court rejected Rana’s review petition, allowing his extradition to move forward. Following this ruling, the US State Department confirmed, “In view of the recent Supreme Court decision, and consistent with applicable US law, the Department of State is currently evaluating next steps in this case.”

India’s Gratitude for the Decision

Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude for the US decision, thanking President Trump for speeding up the process. Modi said, “A perpetrator of the Mumbai terror attack is being extradited for his interrogation and trial in India.”

Rana’s Involvement in the Attack

Rana, a Pakistani-origin businessman, played a significant role in the 26/11 attacks that killed 164 people. He was aware of the attack and remained in contact with terrorist groups in Pakistan. His co-conspirator, David Headley, has already pleaded guilty and cooperated with authorities against Rana.

Evidence Connecting Rana to the Attack

Mumbai police found emails exchanged between Headley and Rana, which directly linked him to the attacks. In one email, Headley requested Major Iqbal’s email ID. Major Iqbal, an ISI operative, was also implicated in the attack.

Rana’s Previous Convictions

Rana was convicted in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. He was found guilty of conspiring to support terrorism in Denmark and aiding Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terrorist group. These convictions have reinforced the case against him.

The Impact of the 26/11 Attack

The 26/11 attack remains one of the deadliest in India’s history, claiming 166 lives, including 20 security personnel and 26 foreign nationals. Over 300 others were injured during the assault. The attackers targeted prominent locations in Mumbai, such as the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel.

With his extradition now confirmed, Indian authorities will begin questioning Rana. He will face trial in India for his role in the 26/11 attacks.