Ukraine lodged a formal protest with the Indian government over the detention of six Ukrainian nationals by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), who were arrested under allegations of conspiring to conduct terrorist activities linked to ethnic armed groups in Myanmar.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement indicating that the Ukrainians, along with one U.S. citizen, had been detained due to their unauthorized presence in the Indian state of Mizoram, which requires special permits for foreign visitors. They were reportedly suspected of involvement in transporting drones and engaging with hostile groups in Myanmar.
Ukrainian Ambassador Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk met with Sibi George, Secretary (West) of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, to deliver an official note of protest, urging for the immediate release of the detainees and access to them for consular support. The ministry emphasized that the mandatory notifications regarding the detention were not communicated to the Ukrainian embassy, which contradicts international diplomatic norms.
The detained individuals, identified as Hurba Petro, Slyviak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim, and Kaminskyi Viktor, had entered India legally on tourist visas. However, after traveling to Mizoram, they allegedly crossed into Myanmar unlawfully, exacerbating suspicions regarding their activities.
The NIA argues that these individuals are linked to a broader conspiracy involving the transportation of drone equipment reportedly intended for use by insurgent groups. Following their arrests on March 13, a Delhi court extended their custody until March 27 for further investigation.
Ukraine’s officials have stated that while they respect India’s laws, there are no established facts indicating any illegal activities committed by their citizens. Diplomatic relations between the two nations will likely be closely monitored as the situation unfolds, highlighting the delicate balance required in managing international legal and humanitarian concerns.