India brings back 274 fugitives from 36 countries since 2019, says MHA
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced that 274 fugitives wanted in cases related to terrorism, organised crime, murder and economic offences, among other crimes, have been brought back to India from 36 countries between 2019 and 2026. During the same period, assets belonging to fugitives worth Rs 17,874 crore have been attached, the ministry said.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the MHA contrasted these figures with the period between 2004 and 2013, when India secured the extradition of only four fugitives per year on average. The ministry noted that 110 extradition requests remained pending during that time, and extradition agreements existed with only 37 countries. Incomplete documentation and slow processing made the process highly cumbersome, the statement added.
The ministry said that the turnaround since 2019 has focused on updating legal and institutional frameworks, sustained diplomatic persistence, and continuous follow-up on extradition requests by agencies. “Union minister Amit Shah has emphasised a three-pronged strategy against fugitives – global outreach, strong coordination and smart diplomacy,” the MHA said.
Among the fugitives brought back is Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, who was extradited from the United States. Between 2022 and 2026, India also issued 541 Interpol Red Corner Notices against fugitives, the ministry stated.
The strengthening of the legal framework against fugitives began in 2019-20 with amendments to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), expanding the scope of action against individual terrorists and funding networks abroad. The new criminal laws implemented in 2024 provide for trial in absentia of fugitive accused persons.
In addition, strict enforcement of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) enabled the attachment of assets worth Rs 17,874 crore between 2019 and 2026. The ministry also said that restitution of funds to the tune of Rs 18,762 crore has been achieved.
The government said these efforts reflect a “whole of government” approach, with central and state agencies working in close coordination to ensure the return of fugitive offenders and deliver speedy justice to victims.
