Ukraine Raises Concerns Over Arrests of Nationals in India Amid Terrorism Allegations

The Ukrainian embassy in New Delhi has raised alarms regarding the recent arrests of six Ukrainian nationals under terrorism-related charges. They claim the circumstances surrounding these arrests may be politically motivated, suggesting a possible orchestration behind the actions taken by Indian authorities. The detained individuals were reportedly attempting to leave India after allegedly traveling to restricted areas without proper permits. Amid ongoing tensions due to the conflict in Ukraine, the embassy emphasizes the need for a transparent investigation and the protection of the rights of the detained citizens. As the situation unfolds, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has acknowledged the legal complexities involved and is looking into Ukraine's request for consular access.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 19, 2026, 18:41 IST

Ukraine's Embassy Voices Concerns

The Ukrainian embassy in New Delhi expressed alarm on Thursday regarding the detention of six Ukrainian nationals under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. They suggested that the situation surrounding these arrests appears to be politically motivated and potentially orchestrated.

According to a report from a news outlet, the National Investigation Agency apprehended seven foreign individuals on allegations of plotting terrorist activities against India. Among those detained, six were identified as Ukrainians, while one was from the United States.

The arrests occurred last week in various cities, including Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow, as the individuals were reportedly attempting to exit India.

Officials indicated that the accused had entered India with valid visas but allegedly traveled to Mizoram without the necessary restricted area permit. They are accused of crossing into Myanmar and meeting with ethnic groups that are hostile to India.

In Mizoram, it is alleged that they received drone deliveries from Europe.

The individuals were presented before a magistrate on Saturday, who ordered them to be held for three days. This custody was later extended by an additional 11 days until March 27.

On Tuesday, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the detained nationals had been assigned legal representation for their court proceedings. However, they noted that no substantial evidence has been provided to support claims of illegal activities in India or Myanmar. The ministry suggested that their presence in a restricted area might have been an unintentional oversight.

In their statement, the Ukrainian embassy referenced publicly available information, including media reports that suggested the initiation of this case was influenced by information from Russian sources.

The embassy expressed serious concerns about the possibility of the case being politically motivated, citing various known facts.

Kyiv has firmly denied any allegations of government involvement in supporting terrorism, emphasizing that Ukraine is a nation that faces daily threats from Russian aggression and is committed to combating terrorism in all its forms.

The arrests occurred against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has been described as the most severe conflict in Europe since World War II.

The embassy further stated that any terrorism-related allegations should be based solely on verified facts and conducted through transparent procedures and intergovernmental cooperation. They stressed the importance of objectivity and impartiality in the investigation.

Ukraine reiterated its commitment to fostering security and cooperation with India, a nation it regards as a friendly state, and accused Russia of attempting to create discord between Ukraine and India.

They expressed hope that Indian authorities would uphold the legality and transparency of the legal process while respecting the rights of the detained Ukrainian citizens in line with international law.

On Friday, a spokesperson from India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that the arrests are a legal matter currently under investigation, noting that Ukraine has requested consular access, which will be addressed.