A diplomatic row has emerged after Ukraine lodged a formal protest with India following the arrest of seven foreign nationals by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for allegedly training insurgent groups in Myanmar.
The arrested individuals, including six Ukrainian citizens and one American national, were remanded to NIA custody by a Delhi court until March 27 as investigations continue into alleged links with armed groups operating in the region.
Arrests at Airports and Ongoing Investigation
According to officials, the accused were detained on March 13 from airports in Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata during a coordinated NIA operation. Among those arrested is Mathew Aaron Van Dyke, a US national with a background described as diverse, including roles in conflict zones and private military activities.
The agency informed the court that it is also searching for additional suspects believed to be part of the same network, indicating that the case may involve a larger international operation.
Allegations of Insurgent Training in Myanmar
The NIA has alleged that the accused individuals entered India on tourist visas and later travelled to the northeastern state of Mizoram without obtaining required permits. From there, they are believed to have crossed into Myanmar, where they reportedly conducted training sessions for ethnic armed groups.
Investigators claim that the training included advanced techniques in drone warfare, operations, assembly, and jamming technology. These groups are suspected to have links with organisations that pose security challenges to India, raising concerns about cross-border threats.
Legal Framework and Charges
The case has been registered under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, which addresses offences related to terrorism, including conspiracy, support, and facilitation of unlawful activities.
Officials told the court that preliminary questioning indicates the accused may have been involved in multiple training sessions and the movement of drone equipment across borders.
Ukraine Raises Diplomatic Concerns
The Ukrainian government has expressed concern over the arrests, stating that its embassy in India did not receive official communication regarding the detention of its citizens. Ukraine’s ambassador, Oleksandr Polishchuk, met senior officials in India’s Ministry of External Affairs and submitted a formal note seeking consular access and the release of the detained individuals.
The Ukrainian side also highlighted challenges related to restricted zones in India, noting that unclear markings could lead to unintentional violations by foreign nationals.
US Responds to Arrest of Its Citizen
The United States acknowledged awareness of the situation but refrained from commenting in detail, citing privacy considerations related to its citizen involved in the case.
Security Concerns and Wider Implications
Indian authorities have emphasised that the alleged activities of the accused could have implications for national security, particularly due to the reported links between Myanmar-based groups and anti-India insurgent organisations.
