61 extradition requests from India pending with US in last two decades

NEW DELHI: As many as 61 extradition requests from India to the USA have been pending over the last two decades even as the US Department of Justice has charged Indian official Vikas Yadav with orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot against Khalistani separatist GS Pannun on American soil last summer.

ET has learnt that extradition requests have been pending since 2004, including against Goldy Brar and Tahawwur Hussain Rana with no action being taken in most cases despite multiple requests. Interestingly, five extradition requests to the USA have been sent this year, including for one Harjot Singh who faces charges for "waging war against state", raising terror funds and membership of a terror organisation. Others against whom extradition requests have been sent this year include Anmol Bishnoi, Nelson K Cambata, James Larry Alford (case of violating women modesty) and Sahil Kumar (case of forged passport). Rana, charged with 26/11 conspiracy, was arrested in June 2020 in the US based on India's request. His bail application was rejected in July 2020. In 2023, the District Court in the Central District of California granted Rana's motion for a stay of extradition so that his appeal can be heard by the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. ET has learnt that USA has sent updates to India in Rana's case a few months back on court proceedings and has assured to keep India updated. Brar is charged with running a terrorist gang carrying out terror killings & extortion activities in many parts of India. He is also wanted in connection with the murder of Sidhu Moosewala. Extradition request against Brar to the USA was first sent in January 2023 and there was no action despite requests from India, sources said. However, the US has asked for details this September, ET has learnt.


In 2023, India sent four extradition requests for people wanted on charges of fraud and rape. Among other high-profile persons against whom extradition requests are pending include the wife of Nirav Modi, Ami N Modi, on charges of money laundering. The request is pending since 2020 and the US has been reminded of the request this month.

Besides the US, India has shared 26 extradition requests with Canada and also security information on gangs, including the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, was disclosed but no action has been taken so far, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has informed.