Arrests of Foreign Nationals in India Linked to Myanmar Insurgency

On March 13, 2026, India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested seven foreign nationals—six from Ukraine and one American, Matthew Aaron VanDyke—on suspicion of illegally entering India and subsequently crossing into Myanmar. The group is accused of training ethnic armed groups in Myanmar, which are engaged in a civil conflict against the military junta that seized power in 2021. The arrests occurred at multiple airports, including Kolkata, Delhi, and Lucknow, and have raised significant diplomatic tensions between India and Ukraine.

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The NIA alleges that the detainees entered India's northeastern state of Mizoram, a protected area requiring special permits for foreign nationals, before crossing into Myanmar. They are suspected of providing military training, particularly in drone warfare, to insurgent groups linked to anti-India movements. The NIA has charged them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which addresses terrorism-related offenses, and has sought an 11-day custody extension for further investigation.

American Matthew Aaron Van Dyke among seven arrested in India over alleged terror links

Myanmar has been embroiled in civil war since the military coup in February 2021, leading to widespread unrest and the emergence of various pro-democracy and ethnic armed groups. The porous border between India and Myanmar has historically been a conduit for insurgent movements and illegal activities, prompting India to enhance border security, including the construction of a 1,643-kilometer fence along its frontier with Myanmar.

Matthew Aaron VanDyke, a 45-year-old American, has a controversial background as a self-described "freedom fighter" with experience in various conflict zones, including Libya and Ukraine. He founded Sons of Liberty International, a non-profit organization that provides military training. The Ukrainian nationals involved have not been publicly identified by name, but Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asserted that there is no evidence linking them to illegal activities.

Who is Matthew Aaron VanDyke? American 'freedom fighter' who fought in Libya, Ukraine now charged with UAPA in India

The Ukrainian government has formally protested the arrests, demanding immediate consular access to its citizens. Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk met with Indian officials to express concerns over the lack of due process and to contest the allegations against the detained individuals. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry emphasized that no established facts have been presented to support claims of illegal activity.

Critics of the NIA's actions have raised concerns about the potential for diplomatic fallout between India and Ukraine, particularly given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the sensitive nature of the allegations. The lack of clear evidence and the procedural issues surrounding the arrests have led to calls for transparency in the investigation.

While the NIA claims the group was involved in training insurgents and transporting drones from Europe, the Ukrainian government maintains that there is no proof of wrongdoing. The discrepancy between the NIA's allegations and Ukraine's assertions highlights the complexities of international law and diplomatic relations in cases involving foreign nationals.

The detainees are scheduled for a court hearing on March 27, 2026, where further developments in the investigation are expected. The NIA continues to analyze digital evidence and communication records to uncover the full extent of the alleged network and its connections to insurgent groups operating in the region.

The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for India's national security and its diplomatic relations with both Ukraine and the United States.