Operation Trishul: India brought back 274 fugitives from 36 countries since 2019, says govt

India has successfully brought back 274 fugitives from 36 countries since 2019 as part of "Operation Trishul," a government initiative leveraging technology and international collaboration to combat transnational crime.

The operation employed advanced methods, including satellite imagery, surveillance, and digital footprints, to track individuals wanted for serious offenses such as terrorism, organized crime, and sexual offenses. Despite fugitives attempting to alter their identities abroad, the technology and profile-mapping capabilities proved effective in their apprehension.

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Operation Trishul was launched to track the geo-location of fugitives. With INTERPOL’s cooperation, the location of the criminals in hiding was established based on satellite, surveillance, and digital footprint. Although fugitives had changed their names or identities abroad, technology and profile-mapping still tracked them down.

Government records indicate that among the 274 individuals repatriated, 17 were wanted in terrorism and narco-terrorism cases, 42 in organized crime, and 53 in sexual offense cases. The number of repatriations saw a notable surge, with 70 fugitives brought back in 2025 and at least 45 by July of the current year.

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Regardless of which country they absconded to, India’s new approach to national security has ensured the return of 274 criminals since 2019, compared with a mere four per year during the UPA regime.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the initiative, stating that India's "new approach to national security" has ensured the return of these criminals, contrasting it with a significantly lower rate in previous administrations. He emphasized that "New India" has addressed systemic gaps through new laws, institutions, and global partnerships, creating a robust security network.

Officials anticipate a further rise in repatriations, driven by the government's focus on combating drug trafficking and a comprehensive roadmap for security agencies. Efforts are underway to bring back narco-terrorist fugitives before 2029, with at least one already detained in a friendly nation awaiting deportation.

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Gone are the days when criminals were allowed to sneak through the gaps in the system. New India has addressed every gap in the old system through new laws, institutions, and global partnerships, weaving an unbreachable security net.