The decision to approve the immediate extradition of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India marks a significant moment in Indo-US cooperation on counterterrorism. Former US President Donald Trump, while confirming the move, labeled Rana as a "very violent" individual and hinted that more extraditions would follow. This statement has raised speculation about the other fugitives India has requested from the US, with New Delhi having previously stated that nearly every third fugitive wanted by India is residing in the United States. While Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri refrained from disclosing specific names, he acknowledged that multiple extradition requests remain pending with American authorities.
Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, has been in US custody for several years. His extradition became imminent after the US Supreme Court rejected his final appeal in January 2025, paving the way for his transfer to India. This development is seen as a crucial step in India’s long-standing pursuit of justice for the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which claimed 166 lives, including six US citizens. The move not only reinforces India's diplomatic success but also signals Washington’s willingness to strengthen cooperation on global security matters.
The larger question now revolves around who will be next. India has submitted 65 extradition requests to the US, part of a total of 178 sent to various countries. Among the key names are gangster Goldy Brar and Anmol Bishnoi, both believed to be involved in criminal activities in India, including the high-profile murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Anmol, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was arrested in the US in November 2024. India has renewed its push for his extradition, along with that of Goldy Brar, who is believed to be in hiding in the US. The timing of India’s renewed efforts, coinciding with Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Washington, underscores the importance of the issue.
Despite these successes, India has faced challenges in securing the extradition of certain high-profile fugitives. The most notable among them is David Coleman Headley, another key conspirator in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. While India has persistently sought his extradition, the US has refused, citing legal reasons. Headley, who was sentenced to 35 years in prison in the US, continues to remain outside India's reach. This reluctance has led to concerns that while the US is willing to cooperate on some cases, it may not extend the same support for others.
The extradition issue has a long history. In 2011, India sought the extradition of Warren Anderson, the former Union Carbide CEO held responsible for the 1984 Bhopal Gas tragedy. However, the US rejected the request, a decision that has continued to fuel debate over the effectiveness of the Indo-US extradition treaty signed in 1997. The treaty, while theoretically allowing legal cooperation, has yielded limited results over the years, with only 11 extraditions granted between 2002 and 2018.
The joint statement issued by PM Modi and Trump following Rana’s extradition approval also carried strong messaging toward Pakistan. The statement explicitly called upon Pakistan to ensure its territory is not used for cross-border terrorism. It named terror organizations such as al-Qaida, Islamic State, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Taiba as significant threats to regional stability. The move did not sit well with Islamabad, whose Foreign Affairs spokesperson dismissed the statement as "one-sided, misleading, and contrary to diplomatic norms."
Pakistan now finds itself in a difficult position. With the US openly supporting India's concerns about terrorism, Islamabad faces renewed pressure to crack down on groups operating within its borders. The extradition of Rana, coupled with Trump's statements, sends a strong message that India’s fight against terrorism has international backing.
As India continues to pursue the extradition of fugitives, the outcome of pending cases will shape the future of Indo-US legal cooperation. While Rana’s transfer is a major diplomatic win, India's broader goal remains to bring all perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attacks and other crimes to justice. Whether Washington fully supports these efforts or selectively cooperates remains to be seen. However, the latest developments have undoubtedly strengthened India's position in the global fight against terrorism and cross-border crime.
