Ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s proposed India visit, Canada took a significant step regarding Tahawwur Hussain Rana. According to Canadian outlet Global News, authorities began proceedings to cancel his citizenship.
Sixty-five-year-old Tahawwur Hussain Rana currently remains lodged in an Indian prison. Indian agencies plan to try him for allegedly assisting the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
In April 2025, officials extradited him from the United States to India. The 26/11 attacks killed more than 160 people, while official figures confirmed 166 deaths and hundreds injured.
IRCC Sends Formal Notice
Reports stated that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada formally informed Rana about intent to revoke nationality. However, this measure does not directly relate to terrorism charges.
Instead, authorities linked the decision to alleged false declarations made during his citizenship application.
What Are the Allegations?
Rana moved to Canada in 1997. Officials granted him citizenship in 2001.
IRCC revealed that on May 31, 2024, it sent a letter outlining concerns regarding residency claims. During his 2000 application, Rana stated he lived in Ottawa and Toronto for four years.
He mentioned only six days of absence during that period. However, Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigations found that he largely stayed in Chicago, United States.
Investigators discovered multiple properties and business operations there, including immigration consultancy ventures. Currently, the matter remains pending before Canada’s Federal Court.
An immigration department spokesperson stated that revoking nationality obtained through incorrect information protects the integrity of governmental processes.
Who Is Tahawwur Hussain Rana?
Pakistani-origin Tahawwur Hussain Rana allegedly conspired in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Authorities accused him of coordinating with David Coleman Headley and militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami.
After United States arrest, India sought extradition. Rana challenged extradition in American courts, including the Supreme Court.
However, judges rejected every appeal. In April 2025, authorities transferred him to India, where the National Investigation Agency arrested him.
Observers view this development as significant within India-Canada relations, especially before Mark Carney’s upcoming India visit.
