Matthew VanDyke has been identified as the lone American detained alongside six Ukrainian nationals by India’s National Investigation Agency in a probe into alleged drone-warfare training, unlawful border crossings and links to armed groups near the country’s northeast. VanDyke’s public and social media profiles show he has presented himself in a number of roles, describing activities as a spy, international security analyst, foreign fighter, media personality and documentary filmmaker, and claiming to have founded the non-profit Sons of Liberty International (SOLI). His linked Wikipedia entry notes he first gained attention as a foreign fighter during the Libyan civil war and was held as a prisoner of war. VanDyke’s social posts also reference fighting in Libya and Ukraine, purported covert operations in Venezuela and activism on Iran. The NIA has said the seven accused allegedly entered India illegally and imported drones from Europe for training. All seven were remanded to NIA custody on March 16 until March 27 by a special NIA court. Investigators are focusing on how the group gained access to Mizoram, a region restricted to foreigners, and how they subsequently crossed into neighbouring Myanmar, as well as on anyone who provided logistical assistance within India and for the border crossing. In a March 18 statement the NIA described the matter as being at an early stage and said further details would be released at an appropriate time. VanDyke was arrested at Kolkata airport on March 13; three Ukrainian nationals were taken into custody at Lucknow airport and the remaining three at Delhi airport the same day. The suspects have been charged under relevant provisions, including Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The US Embassy in India issued a brief response acknowledging awareness of the situation but stating it could not comment on cases involving US citizens for privacy reasons. By contrast, the Embassy of Ukraine criticised the arrests, sought consular access for its nationals and in a detailed statement said public information and media reports indicate the case may have been prompted by information from the Russian side, expressing concern that the proceedings could be orchestrated or politically motivated. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed it received a consular access request from Kyiv and, through spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, said relevant agencies are handling the matter in accordance with domestic law and international obligations and that the legal process is being followed carefully.
