Union Home Minister Amit Shah (centre), Home Secretary Govind Mohan (second from left), Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri (left), and other officials attend a CBI conference on ‘Extradition of Fugitives: Challenges and Strategies’ in New Delhi.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Wednesday urged all states to establish dedicated units—working closely with the CBI—to identify, track, and repatriate fugitives who have committed crimes and fled abroad.
Speaking at the CBI-organised conference on ‘Extradition of Fugitives: Challenges and Strategies’, Shah emphasized a “Whole of Government” approach to ensure criminals are brought to justice, regardless of their location. “No matter how clever a fugitive may be, the reach of Indian justice must be even swifter,” he asserted.
Highlighting the growing importance of cross-border law enforcement, Shah noted that the CBI has set up a Global Operation Centre to monitor fugitives internationally in real-time, collaborating with police forces worldwide. Between January and September 2025, the agency issued over 189 Red Corner Notices (RCNs)—a record number in its history.
“Fugitives must lose their sense of immunity”
Shah underlined that pursuing fugitives is crucial not only for law and order but also for national security, economic stability, and sovereignty. “It’s time to dismantle both the ecosystem and assurance that fugitives rely on—legal, financial, and political,” he said, calling for a rigorous, time-bound approach to extradition.
He outlined a strategic framework for India’s extradition policy with five key objectives:
- Extend the reach of justice beyond borders.
- Strengthen national security through precise tracking.
- Enhance India’s international legal credibility.
- Protect economic systems via global cooperation.
- Uphold the Rule of Law on a global scale.
Strengthening India’s legal tools
Shah also highlighted legislative reforms that have bolstered India’s ability to tackle fugitives. The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (2018) has helped recover nearly $2 billion, while amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act have resulted in $12 billion in attached assets between 2014 and 2023.
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