Seven Foreign Nationals, Including Ukrainians and American, Remanded to NIA Custody in Terror Plot Probe
A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in New Delhi has remanded seven foreign nationals to 11 days' custody with the NIA. The group comprises six Ukrainian citizens and one American national, who face serious allegations related to terrorist activities against India.
Allegations and Arrest Details
The accused are alleged to have entered India illegally and imported drones from Europe for training purposes. They reportedly traveled to Mizoram, a restricted area, before crossing into Myanmar. There, they are said to have contacted separatist groups, received training themselves, and imparted drone and weapons skills to ethnic insurgents linked to Indian insurgent outfits. Additionally, they allegedly smuggled a large consignment of drones from Europe via India.
Sources indicate that three Ukrainians were arrested at Delhi airport, three more at Lucknow airport, and the US national at Kolkata airport—all on March 13. They have been charged under relevant sections, including Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
Court Proceedings and Custody Decision
Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma heard the case in a closed NIA courtroom on March 16. The NIA sought 15 days' custody for the accused, but the court granted 11 days, remanding them in custody until March 27. The agency is currently probing their links to terrorist networks as part of an ongoing investigation.
International Reactions and Protests
Ukraine's ambassador, Oleksandr Polishchuk, met with the Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs and handed over a formal note of protest. The note demanded the immediate release of the six Ukrainian nationals and unimpeded consular access to them.
In a detailed statement, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the detentions on March 13 but insisted: “As of now, there are no established facts proving the involvement of the said Ukrainian citizens in unlawful activities on the territory of India or Myanmar. At the same time, certain publications, including in some Indian and Russian media outlets, contain distorted interpretations of the available facts, are manipulative in nature, and put forward unfounded allegations.”
The statement noted that Ukrainian consular officers had provided legal aid and defence counsel, and embassy representatives attended the March 16 hearing. However, they were denied direct access to the detainees. The ministry added that it did not receive any official notification from Indian authorities regarding the detentions, contrary to established international practice, and is demanding consular access while monitoring the situation closely and staying in touch with the detainees' relatives.
Regarding the US national, a US Embassy spokesperson stated: “We are aware of the situation. However, for privacy reasons, we cannot comment on cases involving US citizens.”
Investigation Status and Secrecy
The details of the case are not being disclosed in the interests of the investigation. The competent authorities of India are conducting relevant investigative actions to uncover the full extent of the alleged terror plot and the roles of the accused individuals.
