NIA Remands Seven Foreign Nationals Amidst Allegations of Training Insurgent Groups
Novel Delhi, India – March 17, 2026 – A Special NIA Court at Patiala House Court in New Delhi has remanded seven foreign nationals into the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for 11 days. The individuals – three Ukrainians arrested in Delhi, three from Lucknow and one US citizen apprehended in Kolkata – are facing allegations of involvement with ethnic war groups and potential ties to insurgent organizations operating in India.
Details of the Case
The NIA alleges that the seven individuals entered India on visas before traveling to Mizoram, a protected area. From Mizoram, they reportedly crossed into Myanmar, where they allegedly received training and, in turn, provided training to ethnic war groups. These groups are suspected of having connections to insurgent groups within India. The NIA also claims the group brought a significant consignment of drones from Europe through India.
Court Proceedings and Custodial Remand
Additional Sessions Judge Prshant Sharma presided over the hearing, which was conducted in a closed courtroom. The NIA had initially requested a 15-day custodial remand to further investigate the case. Senior advocate Pramod Kumar Dubey and Advocate Atul Sehgal appeared for the accused, opposing the NIA’s application for custodial remand. Despite the opposition, Judge Sharma granted the NIA 11 days of custody, extending until March 27.
Legal Representation and Prosecution
Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Atul Tyagi, along with Amit Rohila, represented the NIA during the proceedings. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on uncovering the full extent of the alleged conspiracy and the individuals’ connections to insurgent activities.
Recent NIA Custodial Remands
This case occurs alongside other recent NIA custodial remands. On November 20, 2025, gangster Anmol Bishnoi was also sent to 11-day NIA custody following his deportation from the US. The court cited the seriousness of the allegations and the need to investigate Bishnoi’s role in a terror conspiracy linked to his brother, Lawrence Bishnoi.
on November 29, 2025, the Patiala House Court extended Anmol Bishnoi’s NIA custody by an additional seven days, citing the need for further interrogation.
The NIA’s actions reflect a heightened focus on national security and the investigation of potential foreign involvement in supporting insurgent groups within India.