New Delhi [India], February 14 (HBTV): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump reaffirmed their commitment to combating global terrorism during their discussions. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the US has approved the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India.

The leaders pledged to enhance cooperation against terrorist groups, including Al-Qa'ida, ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, to prevent future attacks such as the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan. They also urged Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the 26/11 and Pathankot attacks to justice.

The MEA, in a joint statement, said: ‘The leaders reaffirmed that the global scourge of terrorism must be fought, and terrorist safe havens must be eliminated from every corner of the world. They committed to strengthening cooperation against terrorist threats from groups, including Al-Qa'ida, ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, to prevent heinous acts like the attacks in Mumbai on 26/11 and the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021.’

The statement further added: ‘Recognising a shared desire to bring to justice those who harm our citizens, the US announced that the extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India has been approved. The leaders further called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks and ensure that its territory is not used for cross-border terrorist activities. The leaders also pledged to work together to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, denying access to such weapons by terrorists and non-state actors.’

Earlier in Washington, DC, on Thursday (local time), Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated during a briefing that India is working on the logistics of Rana’s surrender and extradition.

‘This is an issue on which US authorities have taken a very clear decision. President Trump has himself announced from the White House the decision to extradite him. We are working on the logistics of his surrender and extradition to India. There are a few final steps to be completed. Both sides are in touch on this matter,’ Misri said.

On Thursday, President Trump officially announced Rana’s extradition during a joint press conference with PM Modi following their bilateral meeting.

‘I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters (Tahawwur Rana) and one of the very evil people of the world, responsible for the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack. He is going back to India to face justice,’ Trump said.

The US State Department had stated last month that it was evaluating the next steps regarding Rana’s extradition. A spokesperson from the department told ANI that the US has long supported India’s efforts to bring to justice those responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

‘In view of the recent Supreme Court decision, and consistent with applicable US law, the Department of State is currently evaluating the next steps in this case. We have long supported India’s efforts to ensure the perpetrators of the Mumbai terrorist attacks face justice,’ the statement read.

Notably, PM Modi and President Trump shared a warm embrace as the latter welcomed Modi at the White House on Thursday (local time).

Trump highlighted the strong partnership between the two nations, stating: ‘We have great unity and great friendship. It is important to remain united as nations.’

During their meeting, Trump emphasized that US-India ties are set to grow stronger. This visit marked PM Modi’s first to the US since President Trump’s inauguration for a second term last month.

PM Modi is among the first world leaders to visit the US following Trump’s re-election and was invited within weeks of the new administration taking office. (ANI)