Israel has welcomed the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack plotter Tahawwur Rana from the United States to India, commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for its consistent efforts in the global fight against terrorism.

Reuven Azar, the Israeli Ambassador to India, expressed appreciation for India’s pursuit of justice. “We are encouraged to hear about the extradition to India of one of the perpetrators of the terrible and horrendous terrorist attacks that happened in Mumbai on 26th November 2008 which took the lives of more than 170 innocent civilians, including Israelis. I would like to thank the Government of India for its persistence in bringing the terrorists to justice,” he said.

Rana is being flown to India on a special plane and is expected to arrive in Delhi later today. He is one of the key conspirators in the 2008 Mumbai attacks that left over 160 dead and more than 300 injured.

Kobbi Shoshani, Israel’s Consul General to Midwest India, spoke of the emotional impact of the event, especially for the Jewish community. “First of all, I would like to congratulate India. I think it’s a big success for Indian diplomacy, particularly for Prime Minister Modi’s government,” he told IANS.

He continued, “Even today, when I enter Nariman House, the Taj Mahal Hotel, VT Station, and Leopold Cafe, I can still recall the smell of ammunition and the fear that lingered in those corridors since 2008. Today may not be the final closure, but it is definitely a very important step.”

The 2008 attacks were carried out by ten heavily armed terrorists who infiltrated Mumbai by sea and launched coordinated assaults on key public and private locations. Major targets included the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Nariman House (a Jewish centre), and Leopold Cafe.

Nine terrorists were killed in action by Indian security forces. The sole captured attacker, Ajmal Kasab, was later tried and executed in India.

Israel’s acknowledgement of the extradition is seen as a strong message of solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism and a reaffirmation of the shared values between the two nations.