India's Major Win: Rana's Extradition Linked to Strong Modi-Trump Ties, Says 26/11 Prosecutor

Donald Trump administration’s decision to extradite Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in 26/11 attacks, immediately is a big victory for India and the credit for this should go to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal relations with US President, said Ujjwal Nikam, the special Public prosecutor of 2008 Mumbai terror attacks on Friday.

US President, shortly after bilateral meetings with PM Modi in Washington, declared that Tahawwur Rana is to be extradited to India. He is at present behind bars in a high-security jail in the US. The US Supreme Court recently rejected his petition regarding conviction in the terror attacks, making way for his extradition.

Ujjwal Nikam, talking to IANS, welcomed the early approval by US President for his extradition and claimed that this reflects where India's place is on the priority list of the new government headed by Donald Trump.

"Such extradition of accused in the case of dastardly terrorist attack reflects increasing might of country. Tahawwur Rana extradition is also made possible due to personal rapport between PM Modi and Donald Trump that existed over a long period," said Nikam, talking to IANS.

He also added that Donald Trump is a tough administrator and his revelation of 2008 attacks culprit's deportation in days of becoming president carries sufficient weight.

"This indeed points at United States' leaning towards making strong and deep connections with India," he continued.

Ujjwal Nikam did not discount the chances of Rana's interrogation by the NIA sleuths leading to a torrent of spilling the beans about numerous sinister secrets such as Pakistan's direct involvement in executing feared 2008 terror strikes in Mumbai.

Tahawwur Hussain Rana, an entrepreneur of Pakistani origin, has been convicted for his involvement in the 26/11 attacks which killed 164 individuals. His co-conspirators involved David Headley, who pleaded guilty and co-operated with Rana.