India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrests 7 foreign nationals, including Ukrainians and an American, for allegedly training Myanmar insurgents using Mizoram as a transit route, raising serious security concerns.
New Delhi: In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested seven foreign nationals — six from Ukraine and one from the United States — earlier this month. The group stands accused of illegally entering restricted areas in Mizoram, crossing into Myanmar without permits, and conducting military-style training for ethnic armed groups (EAGs) there.
Authorities claim these activities posed a direct threat to India’s national security, with links to insurgent outfits active in the Northeast.
The arrests took place on March 13, 2026, at three major airports: Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, and Kolkata airport. The operation unfolded rapidly, with suspects detained while attempting to leave the country.
Who Are the Accused?
The American national arrested is Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, a 46-year-old self-described security analyst, filmmaker, and former participant in various global conflicts (including reported stints in Libya and Ukraine). He was detained at Kolkata airport. Van Dyke has a public profile promoting mercenary-style involvement in rebellions and has been under scrutiny for his online advocacy of such activities.
The six Ukrainian nationals are:
- Hurba Petro (also reported as Petro Hubra)
- Slyviak Taras (or Taras Slyviak)
- Ivan Sukmanovskyi
- Stefankiv Marian
- Honcharuk Maksim (or Maksym Honcharuk)
- Kaminskyi Viktor
Three Ukrainians were picked up in Delhi, three in Lucknow, highlighting a coordinated entry and movement pattern.
How the Alleged Operation Unfolded
According to the NIA’s First Information Report (FIR) and court submissions, the group entered India on tourist visas — a route that does not permit travel to protected or restricted areas like parts of Mizoram without special Protected Area Permits (PAP) or Restricted Area Permits (RAP).
They allegedly flew to Guwahati in Assam, then proceeded to Mizoram, bypassing permit requirements. From there, they crossed the porous 404-km India-Myanmar border illegally into Myanmar’s Chin State. Investigators allege the foreigners provided hands-on training to EAGs (ethnic armed organizations fighting Myanmar’s military junta) in:
- -Drone warfare, including assembly, operations, and jamming technology
- -Weapons handling and tactical combat skills
Multiple consignments of drones, sourced from Europe, were reportedly routed through Mizoram and delivered to these groups in Myanmar.
The NIA claims some of these EAGs maintain links with banned insurgent organizations in India’s Northeast, turning the training into a potential conspiracy to carry out terrorist acts against India.
The case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other relevant sections.
Court Remand and Ongoing Probe
A special NIA court in Delhi’s Patiala House remanded all seven to 11 days of NIA custody until March 27, 2026. This allows forensic analysis of seized devices, interrogation, and deeper tracing of networks. The agency is probing possible local facilitators in Mizoram who helped the group navigate restricted zones, funding channels, and any wider international connections.
Some reports suggest Russian intelligence provided a crucial tip-off about the group’s movements, adding a geopolitical angle amid ongoing global tensions.
Diplomatic Ripples and Broader Implications
Ukraine has raised concerns over the arrests of its citizens, calling for consular access and questioning the allegations as potentially politically motivated. The US Embassy has acknowledged the detention of its national but limited comments due to the ongoing investigation.
The incident revives worries about the India-Myanmar border’s vulnerability, where ethnic insurgencies and arms smuggling have long been challenges. It also draws parallels to past cases involving foreign elements exploiting Northeast routes.
As the probe continues, this high-profile arrest underscores India’s heightened vigilance against cross-border mercenary activities and their spillover risks in a volatile region. The full truth will emerge through judicial scrutiny, but the operation already signals a firm stance on safeguarding national security from external interference.
