NEW DELHI (Monday, March 30, 2026) — A Special NIA Court in Delhi has extended the custodial remand of seven foreign nationals—including six Ukrainians and one American—by 10 days, following a high-stakes investigation into a suspected terror conspiracy along the Indo-Myanmar border. Special Judge Prashant Sharma, while granting the extension on March 27, highlighted the “highly sensitive” nature of the case, which involves allegations of drone warfare training and the illegal supply of military hardware to rebel groups.
The Accused: 6 Ukrainians and 1 US Citizen
The seven individuals were apprehended earlier this month in a coordinated operation across Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata as they allegedly attempted to leave the country.
| Name | Nationality | Role Alleged by NIA |
| Matthew Aaron Van Dyke | USA | Suspected coordinator/specialist. |
| Hurba Petro | Ukraine | Involved in drone logistics/training. |
| Slyviak Taras | Ukraine | Involved in drone logistics/training. |
| Ivan Sukmanovskyi | Ukraine | Involved in drone logistics/training. |
| Stefankiv Marian | Ukraine | Involved in drone logistics/training. |
| Honcharuk Maksim | Ukraine | Involved in drone logistics/training. |
| Kaminskyi Viktor | Ukraine | Involved in drone logistics/training. |
The Investigative “Questions”
In his order extending custody until April 6, 2026, Judge Sharma formulated several critical questions that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) must answer to establish the full scope of the conspiracy:
- The Motive: Why did these specific individuals enter India on tourist visas and then travel to the restricted state of Mizoram without the mandatory permits?
- Drone Operations: What was the objective behind using drones? Were they used to impart tactical training to any person or group?
- Cross-Border Links: Did the accused cross into Myanmar to meet with Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs)? Are any Indian insurgent groups directly or indirectly linked to these foreign nationals?
- Infrastructure: What logistics and infrastructure—both within India and beyond—were utilized by the group to facilitate their movement and the delivery of drones imported from Europe?
NIA’s Allegations: “Drone Warfare and Insurgent Support”
The NIA’s First Information Report (FIR) paints a picture of a sophisticated international module supporting regional instability.
- The Route: The accused reportedly flew to Guwahati and travelled to Mizoram. From there, they are alleged to have illegally crossed the border into Myanmar.
- The Training: The agency claims the foreigners provided “pre-scheduled training” in drone warfare to Myanmar-based rebel groups that are known to support proscribed Indian insurgent organizations.
- Hardware Recovery: While the court noted the current “non-recovery of incriminating material,” the NIA maintains that the group facilitated the transit of high-end drone technology from Europe through India into Myanmar.
Diplomatic and Legal Status
The case has already triggered international friction:
- Ukraine’s Protest: The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged a formal protest, describing the allegations as “unfounded” and demanding immediate consular access.
- U.S. Awareness: U.S. authorities have acknowledged the arrest of Matthew Van Dyke and are reportedly monitoring the legal proceedings.
- Special Procedures: Due to security concerns and the sensitivity of the case, the judicial proceedings on Friday were held at the NIA Headquarters rather than the Patiala House Court complex.
Sources
- The Hindu: “NIA gets 10-day custody of 7 foreign nationals held for suspected Myanmar links” (March 28, 2026).
- The Pioneer: “Delhi Court Extends NIA Custody of 7 Foreign Nationals in National Security Case” (March 28, 2026).
- Firstpost: “Covert Op? India Arrests 7 Foreign Nationals Over Myanmar Plot” (March 18, 2026).
- Official Court Order: NIA v. Matthew Aaron Van Dyke & Ors. (Special NIA Court, New Delhi, March 27, 2026).
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