Trump nod for 26/11 plotter to be sent to India

US president Donald Trump's approval to extradite Tahawwur Rana, whom he called "evil", means the 26/11 Mumbai attacks co-conspirator could be brought to India "very soon", in a few weeks, by a special team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

- Neeraj Chauhan

At the joint press conference along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, Trump said: "Today I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters and very evil people of the world, and having to do with the horrific Mumbai terrorist attack, to face justice in India. So, he is going back to India to face justice." People familiar with the development said Rana will be brought to India soon, as NIA, through the ministry of external affairs (MEA), has already responded to all the queries or assurances sought by the US administration in the last two weeks regarding his stay in Tihar prison and medical facilities that will be available to him.

A copy of warrant, obtained through a court, and other relevant case related documents asked for by the state department have also been sent since the US Supreme Court's decision on January 21, said a senior government officer who asked not to be named. The US Supreme Court denied Rana's plea seeking to stop his extradition to India. All that was awaited was the administration's nod, and Trump signed off on that on Friday.