NIA Court Orders Custody for Seven Foreign Nationals in Terrorism Probe
A special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi has remanded seven foreign nationals to 11 days of NIA custody over allegations of involvement in terror-related activities. The group comprises six Ukrainian citizens and one United States citizen, arrested in coordinated operations across multiple Indian cities.
Details of Arrests and Custody Hearing
The arrests were carried out on March 13, 2026, with three Ukrainians detained in Delhi, another three in Lucknow, and the US citizen apprehended in Kolkata. Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma presided over a closed-door hearing on Monday, where the NIA sought 15 days of custody for investigation purposes. The court ultimately granted 11 days of remand, allowing the agency to probe the case further.
Allegations of Insurgent Links and Training
According to NIA sources, the suspects entered India on valid visas and subsequently traveled to Mizoram. From there, they allegedly crossed into Myanmar, where they maintained contact with separatist groups. The agency claims that these individuals received training in Myanmar and were actively involved in training ethnic war groups associated with insurgent organisations operating within India.
Drone Consignment from Europe
In a significant development, the NIA has alleged that the foreign nationals facilitated the import of a large consignment of drones from Europe into India. These drones are suspected to be intended for use by insurgent groups, highlighting the transnational nature of the alleged activities. The investigation is focusing on the logistics and networks involved in this operation.
Broader Implications for National Security
This case underscores ongoing concerns about foreign involvement in domestic insurgencies and the use of advanced technology like drones in such activities. The NIA's actions reflect a continued emphasis on counterterrorism efforts and international cooperation in addressing security threats. Further updates are expected as the custody period progresses and more details emerge from the investigation.
