U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., on February 13, 2025. Trump addressed the media alongside Modi, discussing key issues between the two nations. REUTERS
The United States has approved the extradition of a key suspect in the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks. President Donald Trump confirmed the decision on Thursday during a press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Mumbai attacks lasted three days, starting on November 26, 2008. Militants targeted hotels, a train station, and a Jewish center, killing 166 people. India has long blamed the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba for the attacks, but Pakistan denies any involvement.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said, "I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters and one of the very evil people of the world, having to do with the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack to face justice in India. So he is going to be going back to India to face justice."
Though Trump did not mention the suspect's name, media reports identified him as Tahawwur Rana. Rana, a Chicago-based businessman of Pakistani origin and a Canadian citizen, has been linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba group.
Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Rana's petition against extradition. This cleared the way for his return to India, where he faces serious charges related to the attacks. He had previously served time in a U.S. federal prison for providing support to Lashkar-e-Taiba.
During the press conference, Trump was also asked about Sikh separatists in the U.S. India considers them a security threat. These separatists seek an independent state called Khalistan.
Trump did not give a direct answer but emphasized that the U.S. and India work closely on crime-related issues.
Since 2023, tensions over India's alleged targeting of Sikh separatists in North America have strained relations. The U.S. has charged an ex-Indian intelligence officer in connection with a failed plot on American soil. India has stated that it is investigating the matter.
