The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has so far found no conclusive evidence that seven foreign nationals accused of providing drone warfare training to armed groups in Myanmar were involved in activities directed against India or trained Indian insurgent groups. However, the agency has kept its investigation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) open, saying such a possibility cannot yet be ruled out and requires further examination of electronic data and investigation abroad.
The seven accused comprise American national Matthew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals — Petro Hurba, Taras Slyviak, Ivan Sukmanovskyi, Marian Stefankiv, Maksim Honcharuk and Viktor Kaminskyi. The NIA filed a chargesheet against them on September 8 under Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, relating to illegal entry, movement and violations of conditions governing the stay of foreigners. The chargesheet does not invoke UAPA provisions at this stage.
Drone training in Myanmar
According to the investigation, the seven arrived in India in December 2025 and subsequently travelled through Assam and Mizoram before allegedly crossing the India-Myanmar border illegally to reach Victoria Camp in Myanmar. The NIA alleges that they provided training in drone warfare, drone operations, drone assembly and jamming technology to members of Myanmar-based ethnic armed groups, including the Chin National Front and Kachin Independence Army.
Investigators have also alleged that the foreigners participated in joint combat operations in Myanmar. The group was allegedly provided logistical assistance by members of the Chin National Front, while the mission was financed by a commander associated with a Myanmar-based rebel organisation. The accused later returned to India, with arrests made at airports in Kolkata, Delhi and Lucknow in March.
UAPA investigation continues
The NIA registered the case on March 13 following directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs. During the investigation, authorities seized consignments of drones and related equipment that had been detained by Customs in Delhi, besides electronic devices and other material that remain under forensic examination. Investigators are scrutinising the movement of drones and accessories through India and possible connections between Myanmar-based armed groups and insurgent organisations operating in India.
The agency has clarified that the absence of UAPA offences from the present chargesheet does not amount to closure of the terrorism-related investigation. Further investigation is continuing and a supplementary chargesheet can be filed if additional evidence establishes offences under the anti-terror law. The case is scheduled to come up for further proceedings before the special NIA court in Delhi on October 1.