US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday hailed the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana - a key conspirator in the deadly 2008 Mumbai terror attacks - to India, stating that Washington and New Delhi have "long sought justice" for the 26/11 victims.
"We extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face charges for his role in planning the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. Together, with India, we've long sought justice for the 166 people, including 6 Americans, who lost their lives in these attacks. I'm glad that day has come," Rubio posted on X Friday evening, India time.
Rana, a 64-year-old Pakistan-born Canadian national, was being held in judicial custody in the US pursuant to proceedings initiated under the India-US Extradition Treaty for his extradition.
The extradition finally came through after Rana exhausted all legal avenues to stay the move and the Indian intelligence agencies worked closely with the US authorities to take the matter to its successful conclusion after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem to justice.
Interestingly, Rubio and External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar spoke over phone on the evening of April 7, affirming the strength of the India-US strategic partnership and discussing opportunities to deepen collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.
"Good to speak with Secretary Rubio today. Exchanged perspectives on the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Sub-continent, Europe, Middle East/West Asia and the Caribbean. Agreed on the importance of the early conclusion of the Bilateral Trade Agreement. Look forward to remaining in touch," said EAM Jaishankar after the phone call.
Soon after Rana's arrival in New Delhi, the US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that Washington has extradited Rana to India "to face justice for his role in planning the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks."
"The United States has long supported India's efforts to ensure those responsible for these attacks are brought to justice, and as President Trump has said, the United States and India will continue to work together to combat the global scourge of terrorism," the spokesperson mentioned at a regular media briefing early Friday, India time.
The US Department of Justice also issued a statement, highlighting that Rana - a convicted terrorist, a Canadian citizen and a native of Pakistan - is charged in India with numerous offences, including conspiracy, murder, commission of a terrorist act, and forgery, related to his alleged involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks committed by LeT, a designated foreign terrorist organisation.
The US said the 2008 Mumbai attacks "were among the most horrific and catastrophic in India's history".
CWG 2026: Preeti, Jaismine, Sakshi, Sachin win as India rule boxing ring with seven gold
Indian boxing scripted history at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow on Saturday by bagging seven gold medals — the highest-ever gold haul for the country in the competition.
Five NE states record below-normal monsoon rainfall in June-July despite widespread floods
Even as several Northeastern states were battered by heavy rains, floods and landslides during July, five of the region's eight states recorded below-normal monsoon rainfall so far due to weak rain-bearing systems over the Bay of Bengal, the absence of active monsoon troughs and the influence of El Nino, India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said on Saturday.
Blood donation movement witnessing a renaissance in Tripura: CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that there is currently a renaissance in the blood donation movement in the state. Along with creating a sense of spirituality through blood donation, a sweet bond is developed between the blood donor and the recipient.
Residents allege irregularities in Dharmanagar–Kailashahar road repair work, seek official inquiry
Allegations of irregularities have surfaced in the ongoing maintenance work on the Dharmanagar–Kailashahar road, with local residents claiming that the project is not being executed in accordance with the approved work order. They have urged the authorities to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter.
Sports Minister inspects construction of youth hostel in Kailashahar
Tripura Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Tinku Roy on Saturday inspected the ongoing construction of a 200-bed Youth Hostel at Ward No. 14 of the Kailashahar Municipal Council in Unakoti district. Senior officials of the concerned department accompanied the minister during the visit.
Infant found dead in well in North district
A pall of grief and shock has descended on North Gopalpur village in North Tripura district after the body of a 12-day-old baby girl was recovered from a well early on Saturday morning.
Ahmedabad to officially receive Commonwealth Games Flag, Host Baton at Glasgow closing ceremony
Ahmedabad's preparations to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games will formally begin on Sunday when the city receives the Commonwealth Games flag and the Host Baton during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
AGMC to be top medical, research centre in NE: Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said the state government is working relentlessly to transform the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital into one of the best medical education, research and super-speciality healthcare institutions in Northeast India, while strengthening the state’s overall healthcare ecosystem.