274 Fugitives from 36 Countries Returned to India: Modi govt has made extradition a national priority.
According to the government, over the years, laws have been amended, international cooperation expanded and state-of-the-art technology has been used to make the extradition process more effective. As a result, many accused who have been hiding abroad for years can now be brought under the purview of Indian law. Before 2014, the extradition process was slow. The government says the extradition process before 2014 was beset with many challenges. In many cases, the documents were incomplete, there was lack of coordination between various investigating agencies and the legal procedures were lengthy.
New Delhi | INS
The central government's action against criminals fleeing India and hiding abroad is continuously intensifying. A total of 274 fugitive criminals from 36 countries have been brought back to India between 2019 and July 2026, the government said on Tuesday. The government claims that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the return of fugitives has been included in the priorities of national security.
According to the government, over the years, laws have been amended, international cooperation expanded and state-of-the-art technology has been used to make the extradition process more effective. As a result, many accused who have been hiding abroad for years can now be brought under the purview of Indian law.
Before 2014, the extradition process was slow.
The government says the extradition process before 2014 was beset with many challenges. In many cases, the documents were incomplete, there was lack of coordination between various investigating agencies and the legal procedures were lengthy.
According to government data, on an average, only four fugitive criminals could be brought back to India every year between 2004 and 2013, while a large number of extradition requests remained pending for years.
Changes in the law have increased the power of action
The government pointed out that in 2019, significant amendments were made to the NIA and UAPA laws, which strengthened the prosecution in cases related to terrorism and organised crime.
After this, strict provisions against fugitive criminals were also added in the three new criminal laws implemented in 2024. Notably, for the first time, under Sections 355 and 356 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS), it was provided that if the accused deliberately fails to appear before the court, he can be tried in absentia. The government believes that this will expedite legal action against criminals hiding abroad.
'Bharatpol 'strengthens Interpol network
The government informed that 'Bharatpol' was launched in January 2025, through which the CBI, state police and other investigating agencies were directly connected to the Interpol network.
According to the government, while earlier the exchange of information used to take a long time, now in many cases the necessary information is being shared within three to ten days. This has made the process of identification, arrest and extradition of criminals at the international level much faster than before.
401 Red Corner Notice issued
The government also informed that 401 Interpol Red Corner Notices have been issued against fugitive criminals in the last three years. Through these notices, law enforcement agencies around the world get help in arresting and sharing the location of the concerned criminals.
Government's claim
The central government says that with the reform of laws, better coordination of agencies, international cooperation and the use of digital technology, India has now been able to take action against fugitive criminals much more effectively and faster than before. The government claims that in the coming times too, the campaign to bring back wanted criminals hiding abroad to India will be given more momentum.
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