Tahawwur Rana Extradition Nears Final Stage as Indian Agencies Prepare for High-Profile Transfer

New Delhi/Washington, April 9, 2025 — In a major breakthrough in India’s long-standing pursuit of justice in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case, the extradition of Tahawwur Rana appears imminent. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s rejection of Rana’s final legal challenge, a multi-agency team from India has travelled to the United States to coordinate his transfer, government sources confirmed on Wednesday.

The Indian delegation is currently working with U.S. authorities to complete the final legal formalities and documentation required for the handover. “There is a very high possibility that Rana could be extradited to India shortly,” an official familiar with the developments told .

In anticipation of his arrival, high-security arrangements are being put in place. Authorities have directed that specialized cells at Delhi’s Tihar Jail and Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail be readied for a high-risk detainee of international significance.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is spearheading the case in India, has already secured court orders to shift the trial venue from Mumbai to Delhi. Once in Indian custody, Rana is expected to be formally arrested and produced in court, following which the NIA is likely to seek his custodial interrogation.

Rana, a former Pakistani Army officer, has been wanted in India for his alleged role in facilitating the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which killed over 150 people. He was first arrested in the United States in 2009 and later convicted for providing material support to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the terror group responsible for the Mumbai attacks. His conviction also included his role in a separate plot to attack the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten.

India has consistently pushed for Rana’s extradition to ensure his prosecution on Indian soil for his involvement in one of the country’s deadliest terrorist incidents. The case gained renewed momentum during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in February 2025, when U.S. President Donald Trump publicly announced approval of the extradition.

“Tahawwur Rana will be going back to India, where he will face justice,” President Trump declared at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Modi, describing Rana as “one of the plotters and one of the very evil people of the world.”

Rana had filed a final plea with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking an emergency stay on his extradition, citing fears of torture due to his background as a Muslim of Pakistani origin and a former Pakistani military officer. His plea was initially declined by Justice Elena Kagan and later rejected by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., clearing the last legal hurdle for his transfer.

In a statement presented in Parliament on April 4, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the progress of the case. “Both India and the U.S. remain engaged on the case and are working closely to complete the necessary formalities to allow for the swift extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India,” the ministry said, reaffirming the government's commitment to bringing those responsible for the 26/11 attacks to justice.

With the final diplomatic and legal procedures now underway, Rana’s extradition could mark a pivotal moment in India’s counter-terrorism efforts and a significant step toward closure for the victims of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.