‘Big step in ensuring justice’: Jaishankar backs Marco Rubio’s post on Tahawwur Rana's extradition

EAM S Jaishankar with Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Courtesy: X | @DrSJaishankar)

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar on Friday responded to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a principal suspect in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, emphasizing the importance of counter-terrorism collaboration between India and the United States.

“Appreciate the counter-terrorism cooperation between our two countries. This is indeed a big step in ensuring justice for the victims of 26/11 attacks," he said in a post on X.

Appreciate the counter-terrorism cooperation between our two countries. This is indeed a big step in ensuring justice for the victims of 26/11 attacks. @SecRubio https://t.co/7jRRbfleyo
Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 11, 2025

Rubio praised the extradition saying that the US pursued justice for the 166 people, including 6 Americans, who lost their lives in these attacks, highlighting the U.S. commitment to ensuring accountability for those involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He remarked, “We extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face charges for his role in planning the horrific terrorist attacks. Together, with India, we’ve long sought justice for the 166 victims. I’m glad that day has come.” His comments were posted on the social media platform X.

Earlier, U.S. Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce lauded the successful extradition during a media briefing, stating, “On April 9, the United States extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face justice for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.”

“Some people watching may not remember these, but I encourage you to look them up and to find out exactly how horrible this was and the importance of the situation today," she said, adding that the attack “shocked the entire world".

“As President (Donald) Trump has said, the United States and India will continue to work together to combat the global scourge of terrorism. He is in their possession and we are very proud of that dynamic," she added.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in February this year, President Trump confirmed the extradition of Rana to India.

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a 64-year-old Pakistan-born Canadian national, was transported to India aboard a chartered Gulfstream aircraft following the U.S. Supreme Court’s dismissal of his emergency stay request against extradition.

He is currently in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for an 18-day period, where he will undergo extensive interrogation focused on several key areas: the operational details of the Mumbai attacks, the involvement of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan, and Rana's connections to the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which executed the attacks.

Charged with criminal conspiracy, waging war against the Indian government, murder, forgery, and violations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Rana is identified as one of the masterminds behind the 26/11 assaults.

He allegedly conspired with David Coleman Headley (also known as Daood Gilani) and operatives of Pakistani terror groups, including LeT and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HUJI), to orchestrate the attacks. A specialized 12-member NIA team led by Director General Sadanand Date will conduct the interrogation during his custody.