US National Matthew VanDyke's Legal Battle in India: Court Extends Stay Until February 2024

Matthew VanDyke, a US national, faces ongoing legal challenges in India as a Delhi court extends his permission to remain outside the country until February 2024. The case, linked to alleged arms training in Myanmar, involves VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals. The NIA is continuing its investigation, and VanDyke has expressed confusion over the case's continuation. He has also mentioned financial difficulties that led him to represent himself in court. The situation remains complex as the NIA explores various aspects of the case.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 23, 2026, 17:44 IST

Court Decision on Matthew VanDyke's Case

New Delhi: A Delhi court has decided to extend the permission for US citizen Matthew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals to remain outside India until February 24, 2024, in connection with the ongoing investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding arms training in Myanmar.

The order was issued by Special Judge Prashant Sharma during a private hearing of the applications submitted by the seven foreign nationals.

This ruling followed a request from the NIA, which indicated that additional time was necessary to explore various facets of the case, as articulated by their attorney, Rahul Tyagi.

The court also permitted VanDyke to return to the United States, as he was present in court, while the other six defendants participated via video link due to health concerns.

After the hearing, VanDyke expressed his confusion over the ongoing case against him, stating, "There’s no reason for it to continue. If not, I’ll stay in India until this is resolved."

Having been granted default bail last month, VanDyke had come back to India to request an extension of his travel permission.

Previously, in September, the court had allowed him to visit the US for a month to see his family, with the stipulation that he return to India for court appearances.

VanDyke mentioned that he had dismissed his lawyer due to financial constraints, saying, "I don’t have any comments on the case. It’s all ongoing. Especially now that I’m my own lawyer. I don’t want to talk about it. There is a money issue. That’s the main issue."

He also claimed that he had not received any support from the US embassy regarding his situation.

The NIA has accused VanDyke and the six Ukrainians of entering India on tourist visas, traveling to the northeastern states without the necessary permits, and crossing into Myanmar from Mizoram, where they allegedly trained ethnic armed groups.

Initially, the agency invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, citing conspiracy charges.

However, in its charge sheet, the NIA opted not to pursue UAPA provisions, instead addressing the case under Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, which allows for offenses to be settled before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

The agency has indicated that its investigation into the alleged terror-related elements is ongoing, and additional allegations may be included in a supplementary charge sheet.