US approves extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attack convict Tahawwur Rana

Trump confirms extradition decision during a joint press conference with PM Modi

The United States has approved the extradition of an accused involved in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The three-day attacks, which began on November 26, 2008, targeted hotels, a train station, and a Jewish center, resulting in the deaths of 166 people. India has long held that the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba orchestrated the attacks, though Pakistan’s government has denied any involvement.

While Trump did not name the suspect, media reports have identified him as Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-origin businessman and Canadian citizen based in Chicago.

US Supreme Court rejects Rana’s appeal

Late last month, the US Supreme Court dismissed Rana’s petition challenging his extradition to India. Rana had previously served a sentence in a US federal prison for providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba.

His extradition marks a significant development in India’s long-standing demand for justice for the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Trump’s response to the Sikh separatist issue

During the press conference, Trump was asked about Sikh separatist activities in the US, an issue that India considers a security threat. Sikh separatists advocate for an independent Khalistan state to be carved out of India.

Trump did not directly address the question but emphasized that India and the US collaborate on crime and security matters.

Since 2023, tensions have risen over alleged Indian intelligence operations targeting Sikh separatists in the US and Canada. The US charged a former Indian intelligence officer in connection with a foiled plot, prompting concerns in bilateral relations. India has stated that it is investigating the allegations.

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