Ukraine Protests India Arrests of Nationals Accused of Drone Warfare Training for Myanmar Insurgents

NEW DELHI — India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested seven foreign nationals – six Ukrainians and one American – on suspicion of illegally crossing into Myanmar to train armed militia groups and allegedly conspiring to commit terrorist acts against India. The arrests have sparked a diplomatic protest from Ukraine, which is seeking the immediate release of its citizens.

Allegations and Arrests

The NIA alleges the group was involved in illegally “importing huge consignments of drones from Europe to Myanmar via India” for use by “ethnic armed groups.” These groups are accused of supporting proscribed “Indian Insurgent Groups by way of supplying weapons and other terrorist hardware and training them,” according to the agency as reported by the Indian Express.

The arrests took place in Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata after the individuals allegedly entered the sensitive Mizoram state without the required permits and then crossed into Myanmar. The NIA has secured 11 days of custody for the accused to further investigate the alleged conspiracy and funding routes according to OpIndia.

Ukrainian Response

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged an official protest with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, demanding the immediate release of its citizens and consular access. The ministry stated that there are “no proven facts confirming the involvement of the aforementioned Ukrainian citizens in illegal activities on the territory of India or Myanmar” as reported by the Indian Express.

U.S. Response

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi stated it is aware of the matter but declined to comment on the case involving its citizen, citing privacy reasons according to the Indian Express.

Broader Context

Myanmar has been embroiled in civil war since the military coup in 2021, with pro-democracy guerrillas and ethnic-minority armed groups fighting for control. India shares a porous border with Myanmar and has expressed concerns about the potential for violence and unrest to spill over. India is currently constructing a 1,643km fence along its border with Myanmar as reported by the South China Morning Post.

Mizoram’s chief minister previously claimed that “thousands” of Western mercenaries had passed through the state en route to Myanmar, though this claim remains difficult to verify according to the South China Morning Post.