VanDyke links India detention to Russia’s war

Matthew VanDyke alleged that India’s detention of him and six Ukrainian nationals was connected to Russia’s war against Ukraine, a claim he made in a November 9 post on X. He said he would provide more information in posts and interviews over the coming months. The allegation has not been independently substantiated in the reporting, and the investigation into the group remains open.

VanDyke and the Ukrainians were arrested in India on March 13. VanDyke was detained at Kolkata airport, while three Ukrainians were arrested at Lucknow airport and three at Delhi airport. Indian authorities have investigated allegations that the group assisted armed groups in India and Myanmar and provided drone training. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has not established those allegations through a trial.

On September 8, the NIA filed a chargesheet against all seven for illegal entry, stay and movement, without invoking the anti-terror law known as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA. The agency’s investigation continued. The chargesheet and investigation concern the agency’s allegations, not findings of guilt.

A Delhi court granted VanDyke bail in September and allowed him to...