India reports return of 274 fugitives from 36 nations since 2019

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that, under the present government, 274 fugitives accused of terrorism, organized crime, murder and economic offenses have been brought back to India from 36 different countries during the period from 2019 to 2026. This represents a marked increase over the prior administration, which managed only four extraditions annually and had 110 pending requests, partly due to limited extradition treaties and procedural delays.

Officials said the surge results from revised legal provisions, sustained diplomatic engagement and a three-pronged strategy of global outreach, coordination and smart diplomacy championed by Union minister Amit Shah. The list includes 26/11 conspirator Tahawwur Hussain Rana, extradited from the United States, and the issuance of 541 Interpol red-corner notices between 2022 and 2026. Asset seizures tied to these cases totalled roughly Rs 17,874 crore, with restitution of about Rs 18,762 crore. The government described the effort as a “whole-of-government” approach involving central and state agencies to ensure swift justice for victims.