Ukraine has officially submitted a note of protest to India, seeking the prompt release of six of its citizens apprehended by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The arrests reportedly stem from allegations that the individuals were involved in supporting ethnic armed groups in Myanmar by providing weapons and training. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Ambassador Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk delivered the protest note during a meeting with Sibi George, Secretary (West) of India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Details of the Arrests

The NIA has detained six Ukrainians alongside one American citizen identified as Matthew Aaron Van Dyke. The other detainees include Hurba Petro, Slyviak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim, and Kaminskyi Viktor. The agency’s case operates under the framework of Section 18, which pertains to terror conspiracy. During proceedings, Special NIA Judge Prashant Sharma granted the agency 11 days of custody for the detainees, although the NIA initially sought a 15-day period.

Allegations Impacting National Security

The NIA stated that the accused are linked to various ethnic armed groups and are allegedly supplying arms and training to certain banned Indian insurgent factions. The agency emphasized that these actions have potential implications for India’s national security interests.

Context of the Detention

According to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, the six nationals were apprehended in India on March 13. Initial information suggests that they were charged with unauthorized presence in Mizoram, an area that requires special permission for entry, as well as with allegedly crossing the border between India and Myanmar without authorization. The Ministry noted that, to date, there are no confirmed details linking the arrested Ukrainians to unlawful activities within India or Myanmar.

Concerns Over Misrepresentation

In its statement, Ukraine’s Ministry expressed concern over certain narratives circulating in both Indian and Russian media, describing them as manipulative and unfounded. It stated that for the sake of the ongoing investigation, further details surrounding the case will be withheld. Additionally, Ukrainian consular officers have been providing the detainees with legal support during court proceedings.

Consular Access and Family Communication

The Ukrainian Embassy has reported that it has not received formal notification regarding the detention from Indian authorities. The diplomatic mission is insisting on immediate consular access for the detained citizens and is in communication with various Indian authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the arrests. Furthermore, the embassy continues to remain in touch with the families of the detained individuals to keep them informed.

Restricted Access Zones and Legal Framework

The Ukrainian government highlighted that there are zones in India where foreign nationals face restrictions, requiring specific permits for entry. It noted the lack of proper signage in such areas, which could lead to unintentional violations of regulations by foreign visitors. Special public prosecutor Atul Tyagi, along with other NIA representatives, presented the case against the detainees in court, stating they had entered Mizoram under their visa conditions before allegedly contacting ethnic war groups.

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