Overview
- The NIA case, reportedly triggered by a Russian intelligence lead, began with March 13 arrests at airports in Kolkata, Lucknow, and Delhi and now has seven foreigners held until March 27.
- Prosecutors say the men entered on tourist visas, traveled to Mizoram without permits, slipped across the India–Myanmar border, and routed large drone consignments from Europe through India.
- Investigators allege they trained Myanmar-based armed groups in drone assembly, deployment, and jamming, and the suspects now face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
- Ukraine’s government rejects any state link to the case and says consuls have not been allowed to meet the detainees, while the American’s lawyer argues the detention violates consular rules.
- The probe spotlights India’s Mizoram–Myanmar frontier, where rugged terrain and informal crossings have long enabled insurgent movement and smuggling networks.