In a recent interview with Israeli news channel i24, India’s Ambassador to Israel, JP Singh, reiterated India’s demand for the extradition of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Singh emphasized that Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to cross-border terrorism, remains “paused” but not concluded. He urged Pakistan to hand over Saeed, along with other key terrorists like Sajid Mir and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, drawing a parallel to the U.S.’s successful extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Hussain Rana.

Singh highlighted that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan is holding, but the fight against terrorism continues. He described India’s May 10 strike on Pakistan’s Nur Khan airbase as a “game changer” that prompted Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations to seek a ceasefire. Singh also justified India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, stating that while India allowed water to flow, Pakistan allowed terror to flow into India. He emphasized that “blood and water cannot flow together.”

Pakistan has acknowledged receiving India’s extradition request for Hafiz Saeed but has declined the demand, citing the absence of a bilateral extradition treaty between the two countries. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, stated that the request pertains to a “so-called money laundering case.” Despite this, experts suggest that extradition could still be possible under customary international law or through diplomatic negotiations.

Singh’s statements underscore India’s continued commitment to combating cross-border terrorism and seeking justice for the victims of the 26/11 attacks.

Sources