Foreigners coming on tourist visa were giving training in ‘drone warfare’

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has busted a major international conspiracy and arrested one American and six Ukrainian citizens. These foreign nationals are accused of illegally using the Indian border to provide modern warfare training to the militant organizations of the North-East. On March 13, 2026, on the instructions of the Home Ministry, a case has been registered against all of them under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Ukrainian citizens had entered India on tourist visa

The results of the investigation revealed that 14 Ukrainian nationals had entered India on tourist visas on different dates. It is being told that they went to Guwahati and later went to Mizoram without taking necessary permits like RAP/PAP. These people from Mizoram allegedly infiltrated into Myanmar illegally. The accused were involved in conducting pre-arranged training for Myanmar-based Ethnic Armed Groups (EAGs).

Arrests from Kolkata, Lucknow and Delhi

During this, training was also given on modern warfare like drone warfare, drone integration and jamming technology. These groups are suspected to be linked to terrorist organizations and insurgent networks operating in India. According to the information, an American citizen was detained at Kolkata Airport. Three Ukrainian nationals were detained at Lucknow airport. While three more Ukrainians were detained at Delhi airport. During interrogation, the accused confessed that they had traveled illegally to Myanmar via Mizoram and conducted several training sessions on modern warfare. Also helped in illegal smuggling of drone consignment from Europe to Myanmar via India.

Suspicion of supporting banned groups

According to NIA sources, these Myanmar-based groups also support banned rebel groups in India. These groups provide them with arms, equipment and training, which poses a serious threat to India’s national security. According to the information, the arrested accused also include American citizen Matthew Aaron Van Dyke, who is a resident of Baltimore. He describes himself as the founder of the military contracting firm ‘Sons of Liberty International’ (SOLI). He was also a prisoner of war during the Libyan civil war in 2011. Also detained were six Ukrainian citizens, Hruba Petro, Slavik Taras, Ivan Suchmanovsky, Stepankieva Marian, Honcharuk Maksim and Kamsky Victor.

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