Delhi Court Grants Custody of Foreign Nationals Linked to Myanmar Armed Groups

A special court in Delhi has granted the National Investigation Agency a 10-day custody of seven foreign nationals accused of connections to ethnic armed groups in Myanmar. The court's decision underscores the sensitive nature of the case, which has potential international implications. Among those detained are individuals from the United States and Ukraine, who are alleged to have supplied weapons and training to these groups. The NIA claims they entered India legally but traveled to restricted areas without proper permits. The case raises significant concerns regarding security and foreign involvement in regional conflicts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 28, 2026, 12:39 IST

Court Decision on Custody of Foreign Nationals

A special court in Delhi has approved a 10-day custody for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) concerning seven foreign nationals suspected of having connections with ethnic armed factions in Myanmar that oppose India.

The NIA had initially requested a 15-day custody period for these individuals.

Special Judge Prashant Sharma emphasized the case's sensitive nature and its potential international ramifications, ordering that the accused be presented again on April 6.

Among those detained, one individual, Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, is from the United States, while the remaining six—Hurba Petro, Slyviak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim, and Kaminskyi Viktor—are citizens of Ukraine.

They were apprehended earlier this month under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

The NIA claims that these seven individuals were engaged in supplying arms and military gear to ethnic armed groups in Myanmar and were also involved in training these groups.

Investigators assert that the group entered India with valid visas but later traveled to Mizoram without the necessary restricted area permit. They are also accused of crossing into Myanmar to meet with groups that are hostile to India.

Officials have alleged that the individuals received drone deliveries from Europe while in Mizoram.

They were reportedly arrested in Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow while attempting to exit India.

On Friday, the accused filed a request for an independent translator to be appointed to ensure fair legal proceedings, as reported by sources in the court.