The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested seven foreign nationals (six from Ukraine and one from the United States) for allegedly conspiring to carry out terrorist activities against India.
The arrests were carried out last week in a coordinated operation by multiple NIA teams across the country. An FIR in the case was registered on Friday evening under Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with other relevant provisions.
According to officials, the accused had entered India on valid visas but travelled to Mizoram without obtaining the mandatory Restricted Area Permit. They allegedly crossed into Myanmar, where they established contact with ethnic armed groups and reportedly received training.
The NIA has further alleged that the group procured and brought a large consignment of drones from Europe, raising serious concerns over the potential terror use of advanced technology.
The arrests took place at multiple locations.
The US national was detained by the Bureau of Immigration at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, while three Ukrainian nationals were held in Delhi and three others in Lucknow.
A court in Delhi has remanded all seven accused to 11 days of NIA custody for further interrogation.
Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy, including links with cross-border insurgent networks and the intended use of drone-based operations.
