The National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India has arrested six Ukrainian nationals and one American citizen in Mizoram on charges related to illegal border crossing and alleged terrorist activities. Following the arrests, the court has remanded all seven individuals into NIA custody for 11 days. In response to these developments, the Ukrainian government has lodged a formal protest with India, insisting on the immediate release of its citizens.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken a firm stance on the issue, presenting an official note of protest to the Indian authorities. They are demanding not only the immediate release of the detained citizens but also ensuring their right to consular access. Highlighting the significance of the issue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the arrests occurred on March 13, 2026, when the six Ukrainians allegedly entered a restricted area without the necessary permits and illegally crossed the India-Myanmar border.

Importantly, the Ukrainian embassy has stated that, as of now, there is no substantial evidence linking these individuals to any illegal activities within India or Myanmar. This claim is poised to impact the ongoing diplomatic relations between Ukraine and India, especially as the representation from the Ukrainian embassy attended a special NIA court hearing on March 16, where further legal proceedings regarding the detained individuals were discussed, signaling Ukraine's commitment to addressing the concerns of its citizens abroad.