HM Shah Calls Rana’s Extradition a Significant Diplomatic Achievement for Modi Government

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tahawwur Rana extradited to India.
- Key suspect in 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
- Significant diplomatic victory for PM Modi.
- Prepared for trial in New Delhi.
- Marks a step towards justice against terrorism.
New Delhi, April 9 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah has praised the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a significant suspect in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, as a landmark victory for the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"Tahawwur Rana's extradition is a monumental success of Prime Minister Modi’s diplomacy," stated the Home Minister.
During an event organized by a prominent media organization, Home Minister Shah emphasized the importance of this milestone, attributing it to Prime Minister Modi's diplomatic prowess and unwavering dedication to safeguarding India's integrity and sovereignty.
"He will be brought here to face justice and punishment," HM Shah confirmed.
HM Shah asserted that Rana’s return marks a crucial step toward ensuring accountability for those who threaten the sanctity of India’s territory, its citizens, and its dignity.
This development signifies a pivotal moment in the global fight against terrorism.
Rana's extradition marks the beginning of long-awaited legal actions aimed at delivering justice regarding one of the most severe acts of violence in India’s recent history.
A Canadian-American with Pakistani roots, Tahawwur Rana is accused of masterminding the horrific 2008 Mumbai attacks that tragically resulted in the deaths of over 166 people.
The United States has officially transferred custody of the 64-year-old suspect to India’s National Investigative Agency (NIA), following extensive legal disputes and a series of high-stakes diplomatic discussions.
On April 8, 2025, in California, Rana was formally handed over to an NIA team that traveled to the US specifically for this transfer.
He is currently en route to New Delhi aboard a chartered Indian flight, where his trial is set to begin shortly.
Reports indicate that Rana had exhausted all legal avenues in his attempts to prevent extradition, including numerous appeals to the US Supreme Court.
However, his requests were denied twice, most recently on April 7, as his claims of deteriorating health and fears of persecution in India did not persuade the court.
Among these claims were health issues such as Parkinson's disease, a serious abdominal aneurysm, and signs of bladder cancer, which he argued made him unable to withstand a lengthy trial.
This extradition fulfills a prior commitment made by former US President Donald Trump during discussions with Prime Minister Modi.
Rana, who has ties to David Coleman Headley — a key player in orchestrating the Mumbai attacks — is said to have connections with groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
While a US jury acquitted him of direct involvement in the 26/11 attacks, he was found guilty on other charges and spent over a decade in prison before being released during the Covid-19 pandemic due to health concerns. He was subsequently re-arrested for extradition to India, leading to this current situation.