Ukraine seeks immediate release & access to 6 nationals arrested in India on terror charges

Ukraine has formally protested the detention of six of its nationals in India, demanding their immediate release and “unimpeded consular access” after they were arrested on terror conspiracy charges. The individuals, along with one American citizen, were detained by the National Investigation Agency and booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

In a statement, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said its embassy in India was not officially informed about the detentions, calling it a violation of established international practices. The Ukrainian Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, met senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and submitted a formal note of protest seeking access to the detainees and clarity on the charges.

Indian authorities have accused the seven foreign nationals of conspiring to carry out terrorist activities and charged them under Section 18 of the UAPA. Investigators allege that the group entered Mizoram without the required permits and travelled to Myanmar, where they reportedly interacted with groups considered inimical to India. They are also suspected of facilitating the movement of unmanned aerial vehicles across borders.

Ukraine has contested these allegations, stating that there is no established evidence linking its citizens to unlawful activities in India or Myanmar. It also raised concerns about “distorted interpretations” in some reports and emphasised that restricted zones in India are often poorly marked, which may lead to unintentional violations by foreign nationals.

The detained individuals have been provided legal representation and were produced before a court in New Delhi, which remanded them to NIA custody till March 27. Ukrainian officials attended the hearing but were reportedly not allowed direct communication with the detainees. Investigations into the मामले are ongoing, with authorities continuing to probe the circumstances of their entry and activities.