Myanmar arms training case: Delhi court allows US national VanDyke Na 6 Ukranians to stay abroad

The court granted the NIA more time to investigate while extending overseas relief to the seven foreign nationals

October 23, 2026

Foreign nationals get extended overseas stay in NIA arms case

A Delhi court on Friday extended till February 24 next year the permission granted to US national Matthew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals to remain outside India in the Myanmar arms training case being probed by the NIA (National Investigation Agency). Special Judge Prashant Sharma passed the order while hearing applications moved by the seven foreign nationals. The proceedings were held in-camera.

The court’s decision came after the NIA submitted that they need more time to investigate several aspects of the case, with its counsel Rahul Tyagi making submissions to this effect. The court also granted liberty to VanDyke to return to the US, as he appeared in person on Friday. The other six accused appeared through video conferencing, citing health issues.

The NIA had alleged that VanDyke and the six Ukrainian nationals entered India on tourist visas, travelled to the northeastern region without mandatory permits and subsequently crossed from Mizoram into Myanmar, where they allegedly trained ethnic armed organisations. The agency had initially invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, including those relating to conspiracy. It had also alleged that the accused disclosed details about the network and were involved in assembling equipment and targeting a passenger aircraft in Myanmar.

However, in its charge sheet, the NIA did not invoke the UAPA provisions and instead proceeded under Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, which provide for offences that can be compounded before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The agency had earlier indicated that its investigation into the alleged terror-related aspects was continuing and that further allegations could be included in a supplementary charge sheet.

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