'Aware of situation': US embassy reacts after NIA arrests American, Ukrainians over terror link
The United States Embassy in India on Tuesday said it is “aware of the situation” after India’s premier anti-terror agency, the National Investigation Agency, arrested seven foreign nationals, including an American citizen, for allegedly using India as a transit route to enter Myanmar illegally and train armed groups.
“We are aware of the situation, but for privacy reasons we cannot comment on cases involving US citizens,” the embassy said in a statement.
The American national has been identified as Matthew VanDyke. The six others arrested are Ukrainian nationals, whose detention was confirmed by Ukraine’s foreign ministry.
The ministry said its diplomatic mission is in touch with the families of those detained and is closely monitoring developments.
A special court in Delhi has remanded all seven accused to judicial custody for 11 days under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), citing the need for further investigation.
According to the FIR filed by the NIA, the accused allegedly travelled to restricted areas in the northeastern state of Mizoram, crossed the India-Myanmar border without authorization, and established contact with ethnic armed organisations as well as groups banned in India.
Investigators allege the individuals provided training, including in drone operations, and supplied weapons—activities that officials say resemble mercenary operations.
NTDV, quoting sources familiar with the probe, indicated that a larger network may be involved.
At least 14 Ukrainian nationals are believed to have entered India on tourist visas over several months, travelled to the Northeast, and then crossed into Myanmar.
Authorities are also examining claims that drones were routed from Europe through India to Myanmar for use by armed groups.
Security concerns over such movements had been flagged earlier by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who noted that foreign nationals were using the state as a transit corridor into Myanmar.
He had supported the reimposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) system to regulate movement in sensitive border regions.
The arrests come amid heightened geopolitical attention on Myanmar, where ongoing conflict has drawn interest from multiple international actors. Indian authorities said investigations are ongoing and further details are expected as the probe progresses.
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