New Delhi

Foreign and legal experts have hailed the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, the mastermind of the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, to India as a "milestone" in the country's fight against terrorism.

Foreign Affairs expert Robinder Sachdev said the government has worked "tirelessly and silently" for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana.

Speaking with ANI, Sachdev said, "There is no doubt, extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India is a milestone in our global fight against terrorism. It is absolutely the win and result of our consistent diplomatic engagement, legal engagement and perseverance. Our government has worked tirelessly and silently..."

Calling Rana's extradition a "victory of law," foreign affairs expertfsushant Sushant Sareen told ANI, " The government should get the credit for this... this govt showed a commitment to this...we will never forget or spare (accused)..."

Former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi called the extradition a "great achievement" of the Indian government.

"It is a great achievement of this government and it shows the efforts led by the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and the External Affairs Minister, the credit goes to them that a person so evil and such a dreaded terrorist who is responsible for the killings of scores of people and creating mayhem in Mumbai, a conspirator with David Headley has been brought swiftly to India...It's only the last two years that the court finally in America approved the extradition...This shows the diplomatic channels working feverishly between the government of India and the US...I am sure that he will get appropriate punishment for his sins," Rohatgi told ANI.

International Council of Jurists President, Senior Advocate Dr Adish C Aggarwala also asserted that US President Donald Trump is against terrorism.

While speaking with the reporters, Aggarwala said, "Trump government took special interest and allowed Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India... Donald Trump himself making a statement on this as soon as his government came into power shows that he is against terrorism..."

After getting 18-day custody of Tahawwur Rana, the NIA brought him to the Agency’s headquarters on late Thursday for questioning.

Late Thursday night, NIA said that during his 18-day custody, Rana would be questioned by the agency in detail in order to unravel the complete conspiracy behind the deadly 2008 attacks, in which 166 persons were killed and over 238 injured.

The development has reignited a fierce political war of words, with the ruling BJP calling it a "historic diplomatic victory" under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, while the Congress asserted the move was the culmination of decade-long efforts initiated during the UPA era.

Hailing the extradition, BJP leaders praised PM Modi and the country’s security agencies for what they called a firm and unwavering stand against terrorism.

Addressing a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said: "Today, our security agency, anti-terror agency, and intelligence agency have achieved great success. 26/11 terror attack conspirator Tahawwur Rana is being brought to India today.”

He added: "This is not an ordinary extradition, it is a reflection of the resolve of the new India… Today, when Tahawwur Rana is being brought to India, it is also a warning to every terrorist and conspirator that no matter where in the world you are hiding, India will find you one by one, and bring you to justice.”

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Union Minister and BJP leader Piyush Goyal said the Congress did not do anything to punish the terrorists and the extradition was possible because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “foremost and paramount commitment” to India’s national security and national interest.

He said: "During the Congress government, terrorists attacked this very hotel (Taj Palace) where we are present. People died here. But Congress did not do anything to punish the terrorists… It was PM Narendra Modi's resolve to ensure that people who harm our country are severely punished…” He alleged it showed undue leniency towards terrorist Ajmal Kasab - "fed him biryani".

While welcoming the extradition, Congress leaders were quick to remind the government that the diplomatic and legal process began during their tenure.

Former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said: “I am happy that Tahawwur Hussain Rana… was extradited to India. However, it is crucial to tell the complete story.

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"The extradition is the result of over a decade of hard, diligent, and strategic diplomacy that was initiated, led, and sustained by the UPA government, in coordination with the US.”