New Delhi/IBNS: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Friday responded to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's comments on the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Tahawwur Hussain Rana, terming it "a big step" in ensuring justice to victims and their families.

Rana, a 64-year-old Pakistan-born Canadian national, had been in judicial custody in the US before the proceedings under the India-US Extradition Treaty began to send him to India to face trials.

Rubio acknowledged India's determined efforts to seek justice for those who were killed in the 26/11 terror attacks.

"We extradited Tahawwur Hussain Rana to India to face charges for his role in planning the horrific 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. Together, with India, we've long sought justice for the 166 people, including 6 Americans, who lost their lives in these attacks. I'm glad that day has come," Rubio said in a post on X.

To this, Jaishankar said in a post on X: "Appreciate the counter-terrorism cooperation between our two countries. This is indeed a big step in ensuring justice for the victims of 26/11 attacks."

A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Friday sent Rana to 18-day custody, hours after he arrived in India following his extradition from the US.

Rana landed in New Delhi on Thursday evening on a special flight and was arrested by the probe agency upon his arrival.

In a statement, the NIA said it secured his extradition after years of sustained and concerted efforts to bring the key conspirator behind the 2008 mayhem to justice.

"Rana was being held in judicial custody in the US pursuant to proceedings initiated under the India-US Extradition Treaty for his extradition. The extradition finally came through after Rana exhausted all legal avenues to stay the move," the NIA said in a statement.