NEW DELHI: In a significant counter-terror operation, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested seven foreign nationals, one American and six Ukrainians, in a case that investigators say has serious implications for national security, particularly in the Northeast region.
The arrests were carried out on March 13, 2026, at multiple exit points including Kolkata, Delhi, and Lucknow airports, as the individuals were allegedly attempting to leave the country.
The American national has been identified as Matthew Aaron VanDyke, while the Ukrainian nationals include Hurba Petro, Slyviak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim, and Kaminskyi Viktor. The details of the arrests and allegations have been outlined in NIA’s court submissions.
Who is Matthew Aaron VanDyke?
Matthew Aaron VanDyke, 46, is a US national from Baltimore and a graduate of Georgetown University, where he studied Security Studies. He first came into global attention during the 2011 Libyan civil war, where he fought alongside rebel forces against Muammar Gaddafi. He was captured during the conflict and reportedly spent six months in solitary confinement before escaping.
Van Dyke later documented his experiences in the award-winning documentary Point and Shoot. Over the years, he has remained active in multiple global conflict zones.
Track Record in Conflict Zones
Van Dyke has been associated with several conflict-related activities across regions. He has reportedly trained Assyrian Christian militias in Iraq during the fight against ISIS and later worked with Ukrainian forces following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
In 2025, he publicly claimed involvement in covert “rebel commander” operations targeting the Venezuelan government under President Nicolás Maduro.
He is also the founder of Sons of Liberty International (SOLI), a US-based organisation that describes itself as a non-profit focused on training vulnerable populations to defend themselves against terrorist groups and authoritarian regimes. The organisation operates through donations and has no officially established links to any government.
Allegations in India
According to the NIA’s submissions in court, the group entered India on tourist visas and travelled to Mizoram, a protected and restricted area, without obtaining the mandatory Protected Area Permits.
Investigators allege that the group subsequently crossed illegally into Myanmar, where they conducted training sessions for Myanmar-based Ethnic Armed Groups (EAGs). These sessions reportedly included weapons handling, drone operations, and techniques related to drone assembly and jamming.
The NIA has further alleged that the group facilitated the movement of large consignments of drones sourced from Europe, routing them through India into Myanmar for use by these armed groups.
These EAGs are believed to have links with proscribed Indian insurgent organisations operating in the Northeast, including providing logistical support, training, and weapons.
Timeline and Investigation
Van Dyke was last active on social media platform X on March 9, 2026. Within days, on March 13, the group was intercepted at Indian airports by the NIA in coordination with immigration authorities.
All seven individuals were produced before a magistrate on March 14. The court granted NIA custody, which has since been extended until March 27, 2026. Authorities have seized electronic devices, including mobile phones, which are currently undergoing forensic analysis.
Investigators are now examining the broader network, including funding sources, logistical channels, and potential international links.
Security Implications
The case has raised concerns about the use of Indian territory as a transit route for supplying advanced equipment, including drones, to armed groups operating in Myanmar.
It also highlights the potential spillover of instability from Myanmar into India’s Northeast, a region that has witnessed decades of insurgency but has seen relative stability in recent years.
Security experts note that the alleged involvement of foreign nationals, combined with the use of advanced drone technology and covert logistics, indicates an evolving threat landscape.
A Pattern Under Scrutiny
While no official agency has indicated the existence of a broader coordinated network, the case has drawn attention due to Van Dyke’s past involvement in multiple conflict zones.
Authorities are expected to examine whether the activities in India reflect a broader pattern or remain an isolated instance.
The NIA’s operation has brought to light a complex case involving foreign nationals, cross-border movement, and alleged links to insurgent networks. As the investigation progresses, officials aim to determine the full extent of the activities and their implications for India’s internal security.
As the investigation progresses, the NIA is expected to focus on uncovering the full extent of the network, including funding channels, international linkages, and the supply chain of equipment allegedly routed through India. The findings could have wider implications for India’s internal security and border management strategies.
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