iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
In a special briefing on Friday, February 7, ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming overseas visit, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed a question regarding the extradition of Tahawwur Rana from the United States.
Misri explained, “On the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, from recent developments, you would be aware that Mr Rana has exhausted all legal avenues in the United States with the U.S. Supreme Court also dismissing his appeal and therefore we are now in touch with U.S. authorities to work on the logistics of his surrender to Indian authorities.”
He added, “We will update you as soon as we hear further on this particular matter”
This update comes just ahead of Modi’s visit to the United States.
Misri emphasized that the visit would provide an important opportunity to engage with the new U.S. administration on matters of mutual interest.
He also highlighted the significance of the visit, noting, “The fact that the Prime Minister has been invited to visit the U.S. within barely three weeks of the new administration taking office shows the importance of the India-U.S. partnership and is also reflective of the bipartisan support, that this partnership enjoys in the U.S.”
Earlier, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had also addressed the issue, stating that India was working closely with the US on the procedural matters related to Rana’s extradition.
On January 28, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed that the US was evaluating next steps in the case.
Rana, a Pakistani-origin businessman convicted for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 164 people, including 26 foreign nationals, is now one step closer to being extradited to India. His co-conspirator, David Headley, had pleaded guilty and cooperated with authorities in implicating Rana.
On January 21, the US Supreme Court denied Rana’s petition for a writ of certiorari, which aimed to block his extradition. This ruling upheld a lower court’s decision in favor of his extradition. The 26/11 attacks, which occurred on November 26, 2008, also left over 300 people injured.
(Photo courtesy: ANI Photo)
