274 fugitives brought back to India in past seven years: MHA

India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced on August 4, 2026, that 274 fugitive criminals have been repatriated from 36 countries over the past seven years. This marked achievement highlights a shift in policy, according to the ministry, as previous administrations were perceived to lack the political will to pursue such extraditions. Under the current government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the focus on bringing back fugitives has become a national priority, driven by a three-pronged strategy emphasizing global outreach, inter-agency coordination, and strategic diplomacy. Home Minister Amit Shah outlined the government's approach in a social media post, stating that the Modi administration has implemented a comprehensive plan to track down individuals who fled the country. He emphasized that these efforts align with broader goals of enhancing national security, maintaining law and order, and ensuring economic stability. According to Shah, the new approach has significantly improved upon the previous record, which saw only four fugitives returned annually during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era. Shah highlighted the role of new legislation and international collaborations in facilitating these returns. He noted that provisions allowing trials in absentia under recently enacted laws have strengthened the justice system's ability to act against absconding criminals. Additionally, strict enforcement of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has resulted in the seizure of assets valued at ₹17,874 crore and the recovery of ₹18,762 crore in restitution. The success of these initiatives has been bolstered by frameworks like BHARATPOL, which facilitate global coordination in tracking fugitives. This system has transformed the international landscape into a more effective hunting ground for those evading justice. The majority of the returned fugitives were wanted for serious offenses, including murder, robbery, and other violent crimes, with 62 individuals falling into this category. Sexual offenses, such as rape and cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, accounted for another 53 fugitives. The MHA stated that prior to 2014, India had extradition agreements with just 37 countries. Since then, the government has expanded these ties significantly, enabling more efficient repatriation processes. The campaign encompasses a wide range of criminal activities, including terrorism, pro-Khalistan extremism, organized crime, narcotics trafficking, cyber fraud, and counterfeit currency operations. One notable case cited by the MHA is the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, from the United States. This case exemplifies India's commitment to resolving complex legal challenges through sustained diplomatic and legal efforts. In regions like Jammu and Kashmir, the government has focused on curbing terrorism and supporting networks that operate internationally. The increase in Interpol Red Corner Notices underscores the growing intensity of these operations. The numbers have risen sharply each year, with 40 notices issued in 2022, rising to 182 in 2026 so far. To enhance the effectiveness of tracing fugitives, Operation Trishul was initiated, utilizing satellite data, surveillance, and digital footprints to locate individuals who have altered their identities or relocated abroad. These technological advancements have enabled Indian authorities to successfully identify and apprehend many fugitives despite their attempts to remain hidden.