On 26 November 2008, India faced one of its deadliest terror attacks in history, known as the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attacks. Orchestrated by the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), this tragic event resulted in 166 fatalities and over 300 injuries, instilling widespread panic and drawing international condemnation.
As we approach the 17th anniversary of the attack in 2025, solemn tributes will be held across Mumbai to honor the martyrs, victims, and survivors of this horrific event.
A group of 10 heavily armed terrorists infiltrated Mumbai via the sea route from Pakistan. Over four harrowing days, they executed coordinated attacks across significant public locations in the city. Their targets were chosen to maximize psychological and international impact, including:
The siege incited chaos and terror in India’s financial capital while security forces worked tirelessly to regain control over the city.
Among the numerous acts of bravery during the attacks, Assistant Sub-Inspector Tukaram Omble emerged as a national hero. He sacrificed his life while apprehending Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist, who later became pivotal in the subsequent investigation. Kasab was tried in India, sentenced to death in May 2010, and executed in November 2012 at Yerwada Central Jail in Pune.
This year, the Ministry of Home Affairs and NSG Mumbai will host a memorial ceremony at the Gateway of India, themed ‘Neverever’, to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. Key elements of the tribute include:
In a related development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached out to the United States government via the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) for further information on Tahawwur Rana, one of the alleged masterminds behind the attack. Rana’s interrogation post-extradition to India has yielded new leads in the ongoing investigation of the 2008 terror plot, highlighting continued international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
The 26/11 attacks marked a pivotal moment in India’s counter-terrorism strategy, revealing significant lapses in coastal security, intelligence sharing, and urban counter-terrorism preparedness. In response, India has:
The phrase “Never Forget 26/11” endures as a solemn reminder of the cost of complacency and the critical importance of resilience.
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