The United States has approved the extradition of a key suspect in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that killed 166 people, President Donald Trump announced during a press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The attacks, carried out by Pakistan-based Islamist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, targeted Mumbai’s hotels, a train station, and a Jewish center. Trump described the suspect as "one of the very evil people of the world" and confirmed he would be sent to India to face justice.
While Trump did not disclose the suspect's name, media reports identified him as Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-origin businessman and Canadian citizen. Rana, who was previously convicted in the U.S. for supporting Lashkar-e-Taiba, had filed a petition against his extradition, which the U.S. Supreme Court recently rejected.
The extradition marks a significant step in counterterrorism cooperation between the U.S. and India. However, tensions persist over India's alleged targeting of Sikh separatists abroad. When questioned about Sikh separatists in the U.S., Trump avoided a direct response but emphasized U.S.-India collaboration on crime.
The issue of Sikh separatism has been a point of contention in U.S.-India relations, especially after Washington charged an ex-Indian intelligence officer for a foiled assassination plot in the U.S. India has stated it is investigating the allegations.
The decision to extradite Rana reinforces the U.S.’s commitment to fighting terrorism while navigating diplomatic challenges with India.