U.S. State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce said in a press conference that the United States was proud to hand over Rana to the United States, calling it a powerful step in the fight against terrorists.
She said: “On April 9, the United States extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face his role in the planned 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, and justice.”
She added: “The United States has long supported India’s efforts to ensure those responsible for these attacks, and as President Trump has said, the United States and India will continue to work together to combat the scourge of global terrorism.”
Bruce also noted that six American lives were lost in the attack and encouraged the study of the impact of terrorism on today’s society.
“These attacks resulted in the tragic deaths of 166 people, including six Americans,” she noted. “I encourage you to look them up and understand exactly how terrible it is and how important it is today.” Meanwhile, echoing the same sentiment, a spokesperson for the Justice Department called the extradition a “critical step” in seeking justice for victims. “Rana’s extradition was to seek actions from six Americans and other victims who were an important step in other victims. Statement to PTI.
The United States also made it clear that its partnership with India in counter-terrorism remains the cornerstone of bilateral relations.
Officials from both countries described the move as a reaffirm of a shared commitment to the global fight against terrorism and bringing perpetrators to justice – not long.
With health concerns and fear of torture as themes, Rana has been detained in the United States for many years when the legal system extraditioned him through the legal system. But he was flew to India after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his final appeal earlier this month and now he will be on trial.
The NIA Special Court of Patiala House has returned Rana to 18 days of custody. Counter-terrorism agencies formally arrested Lana after arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on Thursday.
The decision to extradite Lana to India came during Modi’s February visit to U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration.
(with proxy input)
