Tahawwur Rana's Extradition to Highlight Trump's Firm Stance on Global Terrorism
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Synopsis
The extradition of Tahawwur Rana, linked to the 26/11 attacks, is under review by the US State Department. Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla predicts enhanced security cooperation between India and the US under Trump 2.0, reinforcing a strong anti-terrorism approach.
Key Takeaways
- Tahawwur Rana faces extradition related to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
- US Supreme Court dismissed Rana's review petition.
- Enhanced India-US security cooperation anticipated under Trump 2.0.
- Rana is linked to David Coleman Headley, a key planner of the attacks.
- US supports India in pursuing justice for the Mumbai attacks.
New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) As the US State Department assesses the "next steps" regarding the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, who is accused in the 26/11 attacks, Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla stated on Tuesday that the security and defense cooperation between the two nations is set to increase under Trump 2.0.
Rana, a Canadian of Pakistani descent, has been labeled a fugitive by India and faces numerous criminal charges linked to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that resulted in the deaths of 166 individuals, including six Americans.
Recently, the US Supreme Court rejected Rana's petition to review his extradition, paving the way for him to confront justice for his alleged involvement in the tragic events.
"During Trump 1.0, we observed excellent collaboration on counter-terrorism, with strong backing for India's stance and its right to self-defense following the Pulwama attacks. The US also ceased military aid to Pakistan due to its support for terrorism. Furthermore, there was close cooperation in identifying terrorists wanted for grave offenses like Masood Azhar (leader of Jaish-e-Mohammad)," Shringla shared in an exclusive interview with IANS.
"This (Rana's extradition) would represent the same ethos of the Trump administration—a resolute stance against global terrorism. Our interests align, and I anticipate enhanced security and defense collaboration with the United States under Trump 2.0," added the experienced diplomat, who previously served as the Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency.
The US has consistently supported New Delhi's initiatives to bring to justice those responsible for one of the gravest terror incidents in India's history, orchestrated by the Pakistan-based banned terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Currently, Rana is held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Los Angeles and is closely linked to David Coleman Headley, the Pakistani-American terrorist who was instrumental in planning the Mumbai attacks.
Headley, who became an approver in the case, is serving a 35-year prison sentence in the US for his role in the horrific attacks on Indian soil.
"In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling and in accordance with applicable US law, the State Department is currently reviewing the next steps in this case," a spokesperson for the agency stated in response to an IANS inquiry regarding the subsequent actions following the court order and the timeline for Rana's potential transfer to India.
"We have long been supportive of India's endeavors to ensure that those behind the Mumbai attacks are brought to justice," the spokesperson added on Tuesday.
