‘Global Drone Conspiracy’ Exposed: Ukraine Outraged by NIA Action, Alleges Russian Involvement

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has busted a major international network in which foreign nationals were providing training in modern drone technology and combat tactics to armed groups operating in Myanmar. Ukraine has expressed its displeasure following the NIA's action in this case, alleging that the operation may have been carried out at the behest of Russia.

Ukraine has expressed strong indignation following the NIA's intervention in this matter.

This case was registered on March 13, 2026, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The investigation was initiated under the directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and preliminary findings immediately identified the matter as a grave threat to national security. As part of this operation, seven foreign nationals were taken into custody across three major airports.

The detainees include one American national and six Ukrainian nationals. The arrested accused include American citizen Matthew Aaron Van Dyke and six Ukrainian citizens: Hurba Petro, Slivyak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovsky, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maxim, and Kamsky Viktor. These individuals were preparing to travel to Kuala Lumpur.

During this period, all of them were apprehended at the international airports in Kolkata, Lucknow, and Delhi. A Delhi court has remanded all the accused to NIA custody until March 27, 2026. Investigating agencies are also searching for eight other Ukrainian citizens linked to this foreign network.

Ukraine Expresses Strong Objection to Arrests

The Embassy of Ukraine has expressed grave concern regarding the arrest of its citizens in India. It stated that, according to media reports, this action was initiated based on information received from Russia, thereby raising apprehensions that the case may be politically motivated and premeditated.

Completely rejecting any allegations of links to terrorism, Ukraine asserted that it is itself facing Russian terror and maintains a strict stance against terrorism in all its forms.

How the Entire Network Operated

Preliminary investigations have revealed that this conspiracy was being executed in a highly organized and phased manner. Approximately 14 Ukrainian citizens arrived in India on tourist visas at various times. Subsequently, they traveled to Guwahati and Mizoram without the necessary permits. From there, they illegally crossed into Myanmar's Chin State.

Heightened Threat from Drone Smuggling

According to the NIA, the accused were also involved in transporting large consignments of drones from Europe to Myanmar via India. These drones were intended for use by Ethnic Armed Groups, which are suspected of having links with insurgent factions banned in India. These groups have previously faced allegations of providing support to Indian insurgent organizations. .

Questions Raised Previously

The US administration stated that it is aware of the matter but declined to comment, citing confidentiality. Concerns have been raised previously regarding the increasing activities of foreign nationals in Mizoram. Chief Minister Lalduhoma informed the Legislative Assembly that a large number of foreign nationals entered the state during 2024.

Summary 

They were suspected of providing training to factions active in Myanmar. Six districts of Mizoram share a 510-kilometer-long border with Myanmar—a frontier that has long been utilized for infiltration and smuggling.