India’s federal anti-terror agency has arrested six Ukrainian nationals and one American citizen on charges of supporting armed groups linked to insurgent activity, in a case officials say has implications for national security.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said the seven foreign nationals were involved in supplying weapons, military-grade equipment and training to ethnic armed organisations in Myanmar, some of which allegedly have links with banned insurgent groups in India.

A special court in Delhi remanded all seven accused to 11 days of NIA custody, rejecting the agency’s request for a longer remand.

Accused and charges

The arrested include US national Matthew Aaron Van Dyke and six Ukrainian nationals — Hurba Petro, Slyviak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim and Kaminskyi Viktor.

They have been booked under provisions including Section 18 (terror conspiracy) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

US and Ukraine respond

The US Embassy in India acknowledged the arrest of the American citizen but declined to comment further.

"We are aware of the situation, but for privacy reasons we cannot comment on cases involving US citizens," the American embassy said.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry also confirmed the detention of its nationals, saying it was monitoring the case closely.

The Ukrainian diplomatic mission said it remains in contact with the families of those detained and added that Indian authorities are carrying out the investigation.

Alleged Myanmar link and arms training

According to investigators, the accused entered India on valid visas but later travelled to restricted areas in the northeastern state of Mizoram. From there, they allegedly crossed into neighbouring Myanmar without authorisation.

The NIA alleged that they established contact with ethnic armed organisations and were both receiving and imparting training in weapons handling and drone operations. Officials said the activities were consistent with mercenary-style operations.

The agency further claimed that the group facilitated the movement of a large consignment of drones from Europe into Myanmar via India, intended for use by these armed groups.

Court observations and remand

Special NIA judge Prashant Sharma granted 11 days of custody, observing that the allegations in the FIR clearly pointed to acts affecting India’s national security.

"So, it is not the situation that FIR does not make a whisper about illegal acts, being done by accused persons, against national security and interests of India. In other words, Section 18 of UA(P)A broadly applies."

The agency had argued that custodial interrogation was necessary to establish links with other operatives allegedly involved in illegal activities, including individuals carrying AK-47 rifles.

Wider conspiracy under probe

Investigators suspect a broader network may be involved. Officials familiar with the case said a total of 14 Ukrainian nationals had entered India on tourist visas at different times.

They reportedly travelled to Guwahati before moving to Mizoram and eventually crossing into Myanmar. Authorities believe their objective was to train armed groups that maintain links with insurgent outfits operating in India.

Security concerns in Mizoram

The case has renewed focus on the northeastern region’s vulnerability as a transit corridor. Earlier, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma had warned that foreign nationals were using the state to access Myanmar.

He noted that several visitors entered the state without clear tourist intent and some crossed into Myanmar’s Chin Hills region for military-related activities.

The Centre had subsequently reinstated the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in Mizoram and other sensitive border states to regulate foreign movement.

(With inputs from ANI)