274 Fugitives Returned to India from 36 Countries: MHA

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced that India has successfully extradited 274 fugitives from 36 countries between 2019 and 2026. These fugitives include accused terrorists, gangsters, and individuals involved in heinous crimes such as murder, rape, and trafficking. The effort reflects India’s commitment to address serious crimes and secure justice for victims.

Since 2019, the government has also attached assets worth Rs 17,874 crore linked to these criminals through the strict enforcement of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The MHA highlighted that Rs 18,762 crore has been reclaimed in cases involving Fugitive Economic Offenders. The ministry reported a steady increase in the issuance of Red Corner Notices, noting that 182 notices have already been issued in 2026 alone, demonstrating India’s proactive approach in tracking and extraditing fugitives.

Among the 274 fugitives brought back, 45 were returned this year up to July. Previously, 70 were extradited in 2025, marking the highest number in a single year. The 2026 figures already indicate a firm commitment to enhancing this momentum.

Crimes associated with these fugitives include serious offenses such as murder, violent crime, sexual offenses, and narco-terrorism. Specifically, the MHA outlined that of the 274 individuals, 62 were linked to violent crimes, 53 to sexual offenses, and 42 to organized crime activities.

“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and Amit Shah’s guidance, we have intensified the fight against fugitive criminals,” the ministry stated. The government enacted the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act in 2018, which provided a framework to combat the rising threat of economic fugitives.

India’s extradition framework, as per the MHA, had faced significant challenges before 2014, with outdated procedures and limited treaties with only 37 countries. The government acknowledged that, on average, India secured extradition of just four fugitives per year between 2004 and 2013.

Legal hurdles and issues such as incomplete documentation further slowed the extradition process. The introduction of modern, cohesive strategies aims to overcome these obstacles, enabling smoother legal proceedings and a faster return of criminals.

“Previous administrations did not prioritize bringing back fugitives; however, the current government considers this a national imperative,”

the MHA remarked, adding that Prime Minister Modi envisions strong international outreach, coordination, and effective diplomacy as essential components of the current strategy.

With the rigorous enforcement of the PMLA, the government has fortified its ability to trace assets and recover funds linked to fugitives. The establishment of the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) Special Global Operations Centre helps facilitate international cooperation, allowing for timely action against fugitives.

The MHA emphasized that sharing information and swift action forms the backbone of these operations. Increased coordination through Interpol has allowed for real-time information exchange which further streamlines extradition efforts.

To enhance the tracing of absconding criminals, the ministry initiated Operation Trishul, which employs advanced technology to locate fugitives through satellite inputs and digital analysis. This strategy successfully compensates for any alterations in the fugitives’ identities while abroad.

One notable case is the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana from the United States, which epitomizes India’s resolute approach to handling complex terror-related cases. Fugitives, especially those linked to terrorism, pose a continual threat that the government can’t afford to overlook.

The MHA reiterated that the returns of fugitives are not coincidental, attributing success to extensive diplomatic efforts, legal preparation, and persistent follow-up. A comprehensive framework involving multiple agencies signifies a more unified effort in managing fugitives.

The establishment of a Standing Focus Group within the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) marks a critical advancement in India’s strategy against fugitives. This group aims to prioritize cases and standardize information, thereby enhancing overall efficacy.

“Fugitive offenders are active threats requiring unified, proactive measures,”

the MHA concluded, underscoring the government’s resolve to combat international crime comprehensively.