A tip-off from Russian authorities helped Indian agencies track and arrest US national Matthew VanDyke and six Ukrainian citizens for allegedly training ethnic armed groups in Myanmar, people familiar with the development said.
The arrests, carried out by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), triggered a complex international investigation involving multiple countries and raised questions around security, due process, and geopolitical implications.
According to media reports, Russian authorities shared intelligence with Indian counterparts regarding the activities of the seven individuals, American citizen Mathew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainians suspected of involvement in cross-border operations.
While the precise nature of the intelligence shared and Moscow’s exact role in the operation remain undisclosed, sources said NIA teams had been working in India’s northeast region for nearly three months to track the suspects.
The seven were arrested on March 13 at airports in Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. On Monday, a Delhi court remanded them to NIA custody until March 27.
Alleged Myanmar Operations
Investigators believe the group had been travelling to Myanmar since 2024 and are suspected of supplying drones and jamming equipment and providing specialised training to ethnic armed groups operating there.
According to the NIA’s submission in court, the accused entered India on tourist visas on different dates and “flew to Guwahati and thereafter, they travelled to Mizoram without requisite documents – Restricted Area Permit (RAP)/Protected Area Permit (PAP)”.
The agency further alleged that the group “entered Myanmar illegally and they were to conduct a pre-scheduled training for Myanmar-based ethnic armed groups, known to support terror organisations/gangs operating in India in the domain of drone warfare, drone operations, assembly and jamming technology, etc targeting the Myanmar Junta”.
As per officials, the group may have been part of a larger network. Of 14 individuals believed to have travelled to Myanmar, authorities are now trying to determine whether the remaining eight are still in the country or exited via India.
Probe Expands to Local Support Networks
Indian agencies are now focusing on identifying individuals or networks that may have facilitated the group’s travel to Mizoram and their subsequent movement across the India-Myanmar border.
The NIA has claimed that during questioning, the accused admitted to conducting training sessions on more than one occasion and to “illegally importing huge consignments of drones from Europe to Myanmar via India” for use by armed groups.
However, people familiar with the matter said that no concrete evidence has yet been shared publicly regarding the charges against the Ukrainian nationals.
Diplomatic Reactions and Legal Concerns
The case has drawn responses from both the United States and Ukraine, though officials have remained cautious in their public comments.
The US embassy acknowledged awareness of the case but declined further comment. US ambassador Sergio Gor said on social media that he had an “extremely fruitful meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval” covering key security and geopolitical issues.
He added, “Strategic cooperation between the United States and India continues to advance.” It remains unclear whether VanDyke’s case was discussed.
Ukrainian ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk expressed readiness to cooperate with Indian authorities while stressing the importance of due process.
“The process against the arrested Ukrainian nationals must be open. The Indian side should involve Ukrainian experts and Ukraine is ready to cooperate under the terms of the treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters that has been in effect since 2003. We are not in any way forcing the courts and the judicial process must be objective and fair,” Polishchuk said.
Who is Matthew VanDyke?
Matthew VanDyke, an American national known for his involvement in global conflict zones, has been arrested in India alongside six other Ukrainians for alleged terror activities. The 46-year-old, who has been a journalist and activist, first gained prominence when he joined the Libyan Civil War in 2011.
The arrest of American national Matthew Aaron VanDyke in India has triggered a major national security investigation, with officials pointing to extensive links to foreign conflict zones, global rebel movements, and the alleged training of armed groups in South Asia.
According to the National Investigation Agency, the operation is believed to be part of a broader conspiracy involving insurgent organisations.
While VanDyke presented himself online as a security analyst, filmmaker, and war correspondent, investigators say his background suggests a far more complex role. Sources indicate that he has operated as a mercenary-style military instructor, with past associations linked to the United States military, including deployments in Iraq.
He is believed to have conducted “special forces-style” training programmes, focusing on guerrilla warfare, drone operations, and advanced combat techniques. Officials examining his electronic devices have reportedly recovered footage and materials that link him to multiple international conflict zones and paramilitary activities.
