Ukraine has demanded that India release six of its citizens detained over allegations they entered Myanmar to train armed groups in drone warfare, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
According to TVP World, Indian authorities arrested the six Ukrainians and one US citizen on March 13 at multiple airports, accusing them of illegally entering the northeastern state of Mizoram and crossing into Myanmar.
Indian investigators allege the group trained anti-junta ethnic armed groups and transported drones from Europe into Myanmar via India, according to court documents cited by media reports.
The case is being handled by India’s National Investigation Agency, the country’s main counter-terrorism body.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said there are “no established facts” proving the detainees’ involvement in illegal activities in India or Myanmar.
Kyiv has also demanded immediate consular access and their release, following a meeting between Ukrainian Ambassador to India Oleksandr Polishchuk and Indian officials.
Detention, investigation details
A court in New Delhi ordered the seven suspects to remain in custody until March 27 as the investigation continues.
Authorities suspect the group may have supported banned insurgent groups operating in India, which could pose a threat to national security.
India requires special permits for foreign nationals to enter certain northeastern border regions, including Mizoram, which has a history of ethnic tensions and security concerns.
Myanmar has been engulfed in civil war since a 2021 military coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Since then, pro-democracy forces and ethnic armed groups have been fighting the military junta, creating ongoing instability along the country’s borders.
Indian officials have expressed concern that armed groups operating in Myanmar could influence security in northeastern India, particularly in border regions.