In a significant development for India’s fight against terrorism, US President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday the “immediate extradition” of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, following his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump stated that more extraditions to India are likely to follow this crucial step, emphasizing the commitment to enhance cooperation on crime between the two nations.
While the specifics regarding other extradition requests were not disclosed by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a special briefing, it has been highlighted that a considerable number of fugitives wanted by India are believed to be residing in the United States. Notably, David Coleman Headley, another key figure implicated in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, remains on India’s list of extradition requests.
TRUMP SANCTIONS EXTRADITION OF 26/11 SUSPECT RANA
During a joint press conference at the White House, Trump remarked, “We are giving a very violent man back to India immediately. More extraditions are on the horizon as we have numerous requests. We are collaborating with India to improve security and address crime,” reinforcing the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement.
Misri indicated that while he could not disclose the names of other individuals tied to pending requests, he confirmed that India has registered multiple extradition requests with US authorities.
This announcement comes shortly after the US Supreme Court’s January decision to reject Rana’s final appeal, thereby clearing the way for his extradition. Currently, Rana, a Canadian of Pakistani descent, is detained in Los Angeles.
The extradition of Rana is a crucial milestone for India as it seeks to hold accountable those responsible for the horrific 2008 Mumbai attacks, which claimed the lives of 166 individuals, including six US citizens, and left hundreds injured.
LOOKING AHEAD: FUTURE EXTRADITIONS FROM THE US
As of December 2024, India’s Deputy Home Minister Nityanand Rai revealed to the Lok Sabha that out of 178 extradition requests sent to various countries, 65 were directed to the US. He noted, “Records indicate that those 65 requests for fugitive extraditions are currently under consideration by US authorities.”
Among the notable individuals on India’s radar are Satinderjit Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, and Anmol Bishnoi, who have been linked to the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, with Anmol recently arrested in the US.
India has reportedly submitted a list of 10 notorious gangsters and terrorists to US authorities in conjunction with Modi’s visit, seeking their extradition.
However, the extradition request for David Coleman Headley, who allegedly orchestrated the Mumbai attacks alongside Rana, remains unresolved. Headley is currently serving a 35-year sentence in the US.
India previously sought the extradition of Warren Anderson, the CEO of Union Carbide, linked to the 1984 Bhopal Gas disaster, but this request was denied by the US. India’s extradition requests are based on a treaty established in 1997, reflecting ongoing complexities in international legal cooperation.
