New Delhi | April 11, 2025
An old tweet by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2011 has gone viral on social media, shortly after a US court approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, one of the key accused in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The resurfaced post, made when Modi was Gujarat Chief Minister, called out the then UPA government’s alleged inaction in bringing the perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks to justice.
“The Congress-led UPA is not showing enough urgency in bringing the 26/11 culprits to justice. India deserves better,” the tweet dated December 2011 read.
The timing of the tweet’s resurgence has sparked intense online discussions, with many viewing it as a reminder of India’s long wait for justice in one of its most horrific terror attacks.
US declaring Tahawwur Rana innocent in Mumbai attack has disgraced the sovereignty of India & it is a “major foreign policy setback”
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 10, 2011
Who is Tahawwur Rana?
Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian businessman, is alleged to have played a crucial role in facilitating David Coleman Headley’s reconnaissance missions in Mumbai ahead of the 2008 attacks. Headley, who turned approver in a US court, testified that Rana had knowledge of and supported the operation planned by Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The US court, after prolonged legal proceedings, ruled in favour of Rana’s extradition under the India-US Extradition Treaty. Indian authorities are expected to take custody of Rana in the coming weeks.
Why the Extradition Matters
Rana’s return to India could help plug key gaps in the investigation and offer closure to families of the 166 victims. It may also serve as a diplomatic win for India, especially in the context of rising global cooperation on counter-terrorism.
📘 Related Read: India’s Counter-Terror Diplomacy: Tracking Global Terror Accused
The 26/11 Mumbai Attacks: A Recap
The 26/11 Mumbai attacks, carried out by 10 gunmen from Lashkar-e-Taiba, lasted four days and targeted major landmarks including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Leopold Café, Oberoi Trident, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
Ajmal Kasab, the sole terrorist captured alive, was later executed in 2012 after a detailed trial. Headley’s testimony, recorded in 2016 via video link from the US, was instrumental in identifying Rana as a key accomplice.
🔗 Don’t Miss: Timeline of 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks
Political Reactions and Public Sentiment
The revival of PM Modi’s decade-old tweet has reignited political debates, with BJP leaders citing it as proof of Modi’s long-standing focus on national security. Opposition parties have largely remained silent on the extradition development.
“Rana’s extradition will bring us closer to justice. PM Modi had always maintained that India should act decisively against terrorism,” said a senior BJP leader.
What Happens Next?
Legal experts suggest that once Rana is extradited, he will be presented before an Indian court under charges including criminal conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, and murder.
Security agencies are also expected to interrogate him regarding other operatives who may still be active.
