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India Receives Ukraine Consular Request After NIA Arrests 6 Nationals

India's Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed receiving a consular access request from Ukraine following the arrest of six Ukrainian nationals by the National Investigation Agency. The individuals, along with one American, are accused of supplying weapons and training to proscribed Indian insurgent groups and ethnic armed groups in Myanmar. The Ukrainian Embassy has expressed serious concern over the detentions, hinting at possible Russian-provided information, and called for an objective investigation. The MEA stated the matter is being handled by relevant agencies in line with domestic laws and international obligations.

Key Points: India on Ukraine Consular Request After NIA Arms Arrests

  • 6 Ukrainians & 1 American arrested by NIA
  • Accused of supplying weapons to Indian insurgent groups
  • Ukraine Embassy expresses serious concern
  • MEA confirms consular access request received
  • Ukraine rejects state involvement in terror
2 min read

"Received request for consular access": MEA on arrest of six Ukrainian nationals by NIA

MEA confirms consular access request after NIA arrests 6 Ukrainians, 1 American for alleged arms supply to insurgent groups. Ukraine seeks transparent probe.

"We have received a request for consular access, and this will be addressed in accordance with the legal requirements of the case. - Randhir Jaiswal"

New Delhi, March 19

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said it has received a request for consular access from Kyiv following the arrest of six Ukrainian citizens by the National Investigation Agency for allegedly supporting certain proscribed Indian insurgent groups by supplying weapons, terrorist hardware and training them.

The accused were also supporting ethnic war groups in Myanmar by supplying weapons and training them.

Addressing a press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said relevant government agencies are handling the matter in line with domestic laws and international obligations, while ensuring that legal processes are followed carefully.

"We are aware of the case. This is a legal matter, and the relevant Government of India (GoI) agencies are currently investigating it. We have received a request for consular access, and this will be addressed in accordance with the legal requirements of the case," Jaiswal said.

This came after the NIA on Friday arrested six Ukrainians and one US citizen for having link with ethnic armed groups, and supporting certain proscribed Indian insurgent groups by supplying weapons, terrorist hardware and training them. The accused also supported ethnic war groups in Myanmar by supplying weapons and training them.

The foreign nationals arrested by the NIA have been identified as one US citizen Matthew Aaron Van Dyke and six Ukrainians as Hurba Petro, Slyviak Taras, Ivan Sukmanovskyi , Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksim, and Kaminskyi Viktor.

Special NIA judge Prashant Sharma remanded all seven to 11-day NIA custody on Monday.

Earlier today, the Embassy of Ukraine in India expressed serious concern over the detention of six Ukrainian citizens.

In a press release, the embassy noted media reports indicating that the initiation of the proceedings may have been prompted by information provided by the Russian side, and called for an objective and transparent investigation.

"Ukraine firmly rejects any insinuations regarding the possible involvement of the Ukrainian State in supporting terrorist activities. Ukraine faces the consequences of Russian terror daily and takes a principled and uncompromising stance in combating terrorism in all its forms," the statement read.

The embassy emphasised that allegations related to terrorism must be assessed only based on verified facts, transparent procedures, and full intergovernmental cooperation and expressed readiness for active collaboration between the competent authorities of Ukraine and India, referencing the existing bilateral Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The MEA's statement is measured and correct. We have laws, we will follow them, and we will also honour our international obligations like consular access. It's a delicate diplomatic situation, especially with the Ukraine-Russia war in the background. Hope it's handled without escalating tensions.
A
Aman W
The Ukraine embassy's point about a "transparent investigation" is fair. While we must trust our agencies, it's important the world sees due process is followed. Any hint of this being influenced by external geopolitical pressure (from any side) would be damaging to India's independent image.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Delhi, this news is unsettling. Foreign mercenaries or arms dealers operating here? It shows how globalized conflict has become. Hope the investigation reveals the full network – who funded them, who their local contacts were.
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Vikram M
Good work by NIA! 👏 We cannot allow our country to become a playground for foreign arms dealers and terrorist trainers. Whether it's Ukrainians or anyone else, the law is the law. The treaty for legal assistance with Ukraine should be used fully to get all facts.
K
Kiran H
The connection to Myanmar groups is also worrying. Stability in our neighborhood is crucial. India must send a strong message that such activities will not be tolerated. At the same time, we must ensure the individuals get a fair trial as per our judicial system.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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