Archive · 4 Sep 2026
NIA Links US, Ukrainian Nationals to Myanmar Drone Attack
Indian investigators say some foreign nationals may have helped armed groups use drones in Myanmar.
Seven people are in jail in India: six Ukrainians and one American.
The NIA says 14 Ukrainians entered India and travelled through Mizoram before crossing into Myanmar.
It alleges they received or provided training in building, flying and blocking drones.
The agency also says drones and parts came from Europe through India.
A Myanmar passenger plane was hit by a drone at an airport in Kachin state, but reports do not prove that this was the exact attack named in the NIA’s application.
Investigators found potentially important photos, videos and recordings on seized devices.
A judge allowed investigators to question two detainees, while their lawyers said the request lacked a new reason.
The NIA alleges that seven foreign nationals—six Ukrainians and one American—were linked to a drone attack on a civilian aircraft in Myanmar.
The agency says 14 Ukrainians entered India on tourist visas, travelled through Guwahati and Mizoram, and crossed into Myanmar without required permits.
The NIA alleges the group conducted drone-warfare training and transported drones and parts from Europe for Myanmar-based ethnic armed groups.
Investigators say seized devices contained images, videos and voice samples that may help establish the drone network and the suspects’ roles.
A Delhi court allowed the NIA to interrogate Matthew Van Dyke and Viktor Kaminskyi, while defense lawyers called the request an afterthought.
- Who
- The National Investigation Agency, seven detained foreign nationals, and their lawyers.
- What
- The NIA alleges that Ukrainian and US nationals were connected to drone training, supplies and an attack involving a civilian aircraft in Myanmar.
- When
- The detainees were arrested in March; the Delhi court approved interrogation on August 31. The aircraft incident was reported as occurring on February 20.
- Where
- The investigation concerns India, Mizoram, Myanmar, Myitkyina airport and Tihar Jail in Delhi.
- Why
- The NIA says it needs to examine digital evidence, verify witness information, identify other suspects and investigate a wider conspiracy.
NIA Allegations
Defense Position
Need for interrogation
NIA Allegations
The NIA says questioning Van Dyke and Kaminskyi is necessary to confront them with digital evidence and witness accounts, identify other suspects and uncover alleged masterminds in Myanmar.
Defense Position
Defense lawyers argue that the application offers no fresh or specific reason for interrogation and was an afterthought.
Alleged roles in drone activities
NIA Allegations
The agency alleges that the accused helped supply drones and parts, provide technical training and support Myanmar-based groups connected with activities affecting India’s national security.
Defense Position
Van Dyke maintains that he is innocent, and representatives have sought US diplomatic intervention while alleging that he was denied basic detainee rights.
Myanmar aircraft attack
NIA Allegations
The NIA told the court that Ukrainian and US nationals were involved in a drone attack on a civilian aircraft in Myanmar.
Defense Position
A report described an FPV drone strike on a Myanmar National Airlines aircraft, but it was not immediately clear whether that was the specific attack referenced by the NIA.
- Detainees
- Seven foreign nationals—six Ukrainians and one American—are being held in Tihar Jail.
- Ukrainian travelers
- The NIA says at least 14 Ukrainians entered India on tourist visas and later crossed from Mizoram into Myanmar without Restricted Area or Protected Area permits.
- Two detainees sought for questioning
- The NIA requested access to American Matthew Aaron Van Dyke and Ukrainian Viktor Kaminskyi.
- Alleged training
- The agency alleges training in drone warfare, operations, assembly and jamming for Myanmar-based ethnic armed groups.
- Aircraft incident
- A Myanmar National Airlines ATR 72-600 at Myitkyina airport was reportedly struck by an FPV suicide drone; the NIA has not conclusively established in court that this was the attack cited in its application.
- Digital evidence
- Photos, videos, voice samples and other data from seized devices are undergoing forensic examination.
- Court decision
- Special Judge Prashant Sharma allowed the NIA to interrogate the two men in Tihar Jail; a chargesheet was expected the following week.
