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The US Embassy in India acknowledged the NIA’s arrests of 7 foreigners,including one American and six Ukrainians, for allegedly entering Myanmar through India to aid banned groups.
Matthew VanDyke, an American arrested by the NIA for allegedly training insurgent groups. (Image: Reuters/File)
The US Embassy in India has acknowledged reports of the recent arrests made by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), stating it is aware of the matter but cannot comment on cases involving American citizens due to privacy reasons.
The NIA recently detained seven foreign nationals — including one American and six Ukrainians — for allegedly entering Myanmar through India without authorization to assist ethnic armed organisations and banned outfits operating in the region.
“We are aware of the situation, but for privacy reasons we cannot comment on cases involving US citizens,” the American embassy said.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed the detention of its six citizens, adding that its diplomatic mission is in regular contact with their families and closely monitoring developments. It also noted that Indian authorities are currently carrying out the necessary legal and investigative procedures.
The American citizen has been identified as Matthew VanDyke, while the Ukrainian nationals are Hurba Petro, Slyviak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim, and Kaminskyi Viktor.
A special NIA court in Delhi has remanded all seven individuals to 11 days of judicial custody, citing the need for further questioning.
According to the FIR, the group allegedly travelled to restricted areas in Mizoram before illegally crossing into Myanmar, where they are accused of establishing links with ethnic armed groups and organisations banned in India. Investigators claim the accused provided training, supplied weapons, and assisted in drone-related activities — actions that authorities say resemble mercenary operations.
Larger Conspiracy?
According to people familiar with the matter, fourteen Ukrainian nationals arrived in India on tourist visas at different times. After landing in Assam’s Guwahati, they travelled onward to Mizoram — which shares a border with Myanmar — and allegedly proceeded without the required documentation before crossing into Myanmar.
Sources said they aimed to provide training to ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) in Myanmar that are believed to have links with outlawed insurgent groups in India. They also alleged that a significant number of drones were moved from Europe into Myanmar through India, purportedly for use by these armed groups.
March 18, 2026, 07:20 IST
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