Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. has been fruitful in more than just immigration and trade relations between the countries. Reportedly, the U.S. has approved the extradition of a suspect in the 2008 militant attacks in India’s financial capital Mumbai in which over 160 people were killed, President Donald Trump said on Thursday in a press conference with Modi.
“I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters and one of the very evil people of the world, having to do with the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack to face justice in India. So he is going to be going back to India to face justice,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
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The individual has been identified as Chicago businessman and Canadian citizen Tahawwur Rana according to reports.
2008 Mumbai terror attack
The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, also known as 26/11, were a series of coordinated terrorist attacks carried out by 10 gunmen from Pakistan. The attacks took place over four days, starting on November 26, 2008, targeting multiple locations across Mumbai, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, CST Railway Station, and Nariman House.
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The attackers, associated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group, arrived by sea and launched indiscriminate attacks on civilians and security personnel. At the Taj Hotel, hostages were taken, and a prolonged siege ensued, while the attackers also targeted the busy CST Railway Station, killing numerous commuters. The violence resulted in 164 deaths and over 300 injuries.
The attacks shocked India and the world, highlighting significant vulnerabilities in India’s security apparatus. The event also strained relations between India and Pakistan, as the perpetrators were believed to have links to Pakistan-based terror organizations. Following the attacks, India enhanced its counterterrorism efforts and improved security at vulnerable locations. The attack remains one of the most significant and traumatic events in India’s history, symbolizing both the brutal reality of terrorism and the resilience of the people and security forces involved in the response.