Since 2019, the Ministry of Home Affairs under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah has brought back 274 fugitives from 36 countries. The government treated extradition as a national priority and built a technology‑driven, intelligence‑led system to locate, prosecute and return offenders.
Key Developments (2019‑2026)
- Issuance of Red Corner Notices rose from 40 in 2022 to 182 in 2026, covering 401 fugitives.
- Launch of BHARATPOL in Jan 2025, cutting data‑sharing time to 3‑10 days.
- Enactment of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act and amendments to the NIA Amendment Act and UAPA Amendment in 2019.
- Introduction of trial‑in‑absentia provisions (Sections 355‑356 of the BNSS) in 2024.
- Operation Trishul enabled precise tracking of hidden offenders.
- Stringent enforcement of the PMLA, attaching assets worth ₹17,874 crore.
Important Facts
• 274 fugitives returned from 36 nations (2019‑2026).
• Asset recovery: ₹18,762 crore from economic offenders.
• Crime‑wise return count (2019‑2026): Fraud 9, Terrorism 17, Organized Crime 42, Murder/Robbery 62, Sexual Offences 53, Narcotics 16, Smuggling 12, Human Trafficking 18, Others 45.
Exam Relevance
The extradition drive illustrates the intersection of internal security (GS2), economic governance (GS3), and international law. Aspirants should note how legal reforms (Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, NIA/UAPA amendments) strengthen India's sovereign capacity to combat cross‑border crime. The role of agencies like IB, CBI, and the newly formed Standing Focus Group demonstrate the ‘whole‑of‑government’ approach emphasized in the UPSC syllabus.
Way Forward
To sustain momentum, the government may:
- Expand extradition treaties beyond the current 37 partners.
- Strengthen digital forensics and AI‑driven profiling for faster identification.
- Institutionalise regular training for diplomatic and law‑enforcement officers on extradition protocols.
- Enhance public‑private data sharing to trace financial flows of fugitives.
These steps will further protect India’s sovereignty, economic stability and security.