Six Ukrainians detained in India: Kyiv rejects media manipulations, demands consular access
Six Ukrainian nationals have been detained in India on suspicion of unauthorized presence in a border state and a possible illegal crossing into Myanmar. Ukraine is demanding consular access to them and denies what it calls unfounded accusations in the media.
This was reported by the press service of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to journalists’ inquiries, according to Ukrinform.
“On March 13, six Ukrainian citizens were detained in the Republic of India. According to preliminary information, the charges concern unauthorized presence in the state of Mizoram, which requires special permission to visit, as well as a possible illegal crossing of the state border between India and Myanmar. At present, the competent authorities of India are conducting relevant investigative actions. Details of the case are not being disclosed in the interest of the investigation,” the ministry said.
The MFA noted that there are currently no proven facts confirming the involvement of these Ukrainian nationals in unlawful activities in India or Myanmar. At the same time, some publications, particularly in certain Indian and Russian media, contain distorted interpretations of available facts, are manipulative in nature, and put forward unsubstantiated accusations.
The press service added that, with the assistance of Ukrainian consuls from the embassy in India, the detainees have been provided with legal aid and defense during court proceedings. A court hearing took place on March 16, attended by embassy staff, but they were not allowed to communicate directly with the detainees. Following the hearing, the court decided to extend their detention until March 27.
“Contrary to established international practice, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of India did not receive official notification from the competent authorities of India about the detention of Ukrainian citizens. The Ukrainian side insists on the urgent provision of unhindered consular access to the detainees,” the MFA emphasized.
In this context, Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, met with India’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sibi George and delivered an official note of protest demanding the immediate release of the Ukrainian nationals and access to them. The embassy is also maintaining contacts with other Indian authorities to clarify all circumstances of the detention.
The MFA assured that Ukraine’s diplomatic mission remains in constant contact with the families of the detained citizens and is keeping the situation under special control.
The ministry also warned that certain areas in India have restricted access for foreigners and can only be visited with special permits. However, such areas are often not properly marked on the ground, which creates a risk of unintentional violations.
As reported by The Indian Express, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested seven foreigners – six Ukrainian nationals and one from the United States – on charges of conspiring to carry out terrorist activities against India.
The arrests were carried out by several NIA operational teams last week. The US national was detained by the Bureau of Immigration at Kolkata airport, and three Ukrainians each were detained at airports in Lucknow and Delhi. All have been charged under Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with other relevant sections.
Photo: AA