The National Investigation Agency has secured 11 days of custody of seven foreign nationals in connection with alleged terror-linked activities, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The accused—six Ukrainian citizens and one United States national—were produced before a special NIA court in Delhi, which granted the agency custody for further investigation into the case being probed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and other relevant provisions.
According to official sources, the arrests were carried out on March 13, 2026, from multiple locations across India, including New Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
The NIA informed the court that the individuals had allegedly entered India illegally and were in contact with insurgent groups, particularly in the northeastern region. Investigators suspect their involvement in a broader conspiracy linked to unlawful or terror-related operations.
Preliminary findings indicate that some of the accused had travelled to Myanmar, where they are believed to have undergone training and established links with armed ethnic groups. The agency has also flagged concerns over the possible procurement and movement of drones sourced from Europe, pointing to potential technological dimensions in the alleged activities.
During the hearing, Special Public Prosecutor Atul Tyagi, along with Amit Rohila and others, represented the NIA and sought 15 days of custody to examine digital evidence, verify international linkages, and trace the wider network. Investigators also told the court that the accused had entered India on valid visas before moving into protected areas such as Mizoram and subsequently crossing into Myanmar.
While the court granted 11 days of custody instead of the 15 sought, the agency is expected to use this period for detailed interrogation and evidence collection.
The proceedings were held in-camera, underscoring the sensitive nature of the case. Authorities have not disclosed specific details about potential targets or the full scope of the alleged conspiracy.
The investigation remains ongoing, with further developments expected based on findings from custodial interrogation and analysis of seized material.
