US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor paid solemn tributes at the 26/11 memorial located within Mumbai's iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. During his visit, he remembered the 166 innocent lives lost in the devastating 2008 terror attacks, which included six American citizens.
Honoring the Victims and Security Forces
In a heartfelt post on social media platform X, Ambassador Gor expressed his deep respect for the courage displayed by Indian security forces during those tragic days. He emphasized his hope that such a horrific tragedy never occurs again. The ambassador specifically mentioned visiting the memorial to honor all those who perished.
Extradition Achievement Under President Trump
Ambassador Gor highlighted a significant development in the pursuit of justice. He noted with pride that during President Donald Trump's administration, the United States extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India. Rana faces allegations of involvement in planning the coordinated Mumbai attacks.
The extradition took place in April 2025. Following interrogation by India's National Investigation Agency, Rana remains in judicial custody. The 64-year-old Canadian businessman of Pakistani origin is directly linked to the November 2008 terror assaults.
Recalling the 26/11 Attacks
The attacks, commonly referred to as 26/11, were orchestrated by the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba. Ten terrorists entered Mumbai via the sea route on the night of November 26, 2008. Over four terrifying days, they unleashed violence across multiple locations, killing 166 people and injuring approximately 300 others.
The terrorists deliberately selected targets known for high foot traffic, especially among foreign nationals and Mumbai's working population. These included:
- The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
- The Oberoi Hotels
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station
- The Jewish centre at Nariman House
- Cama Hospital
- Metro Cinema
- Leopold Cafe
Security forces eventually neutralized nine of the attackers. They captured the tenth terrorist, Ajmal Kasab. In May 2010, a court sentenced Kasab to death. Authorities carried out the execution two years later at a maximum security prison in Pune.
Ambassador's Broader Mumbai Agenda
During his time in Mumbai, Ambassador Gor held meetings with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra. He also visited the historic Gateway of India monument.
This Mumbai visit followed closely after Ambassador Gor presented his official credentials to President Droupadi Murmu. That ceremony occurred at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 14, 2026.
