Addressing a public meeting in Mumbai, Owaisi said India should not hesitate to act beyond its borders if required to bring perpetrators of terror attacks to justice. Referring to actions taken by the United States in the past, he argued that strong political will was necessary to deal with those responsible for attacks on Indian soil.
“Modi ji, those who carried out the 26/11 attacks — whether Masood Azhar or leaders of Lashkar-e-Taiba — should be arrested and brought to India,” Owaisi said. He added that if powerful nations could act against their perceived enemies abroad, India should also demonstrate similar resolve.
Owaisi cited former US President Donald Trump while making his argument, claiming that the United States had used military force to capture foreign leaders. Drawing a comparison, he said India must act with equal firmness when it comes to terrorism. “If Trump can do it, why can’t you?” he asked, referring to the Prime Minister’s past political support for Trump.
The AIMIM leader’s remarks come amid renewed political debate over national security and counter-terrorism, with opposition leaders questioning the government’s approach to dealing with individuals accused of orchestrating attacks from outside India. Owaisi has previously been vocal about extradition efforts and India’s diplomatic strategy on terrorism.
During his speech, Owaisi also referred to past US military operations, including interventions in Panama in 1989 and Iraq in 2003, where American forces captured or removed heads of state. He cited these examples to underline his argument that decisive action against those accused of grave crimes was possible with sufficient political determination.
However, Owaisi’s comments also drew attention to the complex legal and diplomatic challenges involved in cross-border counter-terror operations, which often depend on international cooperation, extradition treaties, and global consensus.
The ruling BJP has not issued an immediate response to Owaisi’s remarks. Government officials have consistently stated that India follows international law while pursuing terrorists and continues to work with global partners to secure accountability for attacks such as 26/11.
The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks left 166 people dead and remain one of the deadliest assaults on Indian soil. Efforts to bring all alleged conspirators to justice continue to be a politically and diplomatically sensitive issue.
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