New Delhi: Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has given permission to American citizen Matthew Aaron VanDyke to go to America. He returned to India for a court hearing. In the same case, the court has also extended the permission of six Ukrainian citizens to stay outside India till February 24. According to the report of news agency ANI, this order has come in the case in which the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has investigated allegations of foreign nationals providing training related to weapons and drone warfare to ethnic armed groups in Myanmar.
What conditions did the court set?
While allowing him to go abroad, the Rouse Avenue Court had also set conditions for cooperation in the investigation. As per the earlier order, the seven accused were asked to stay in their respective countries for a month and return to India after the stipulated period. They were also directed to provide information about their addresses, active mobile numbers and emails abroad to the NIA. If needed, they will have to join the investigation through video conferencing or in person.
When did VanDyke get bail?
VanDyke was granted default bail on September 18, 2026. After this, on September 24, after completing the necessary formalities, he came out of Tihar Jail. Six Ukrainian citizens were also granted default bail in the same case. The court had given this relief in the context of the investigation agency not filing the chargesheet under UAPA within the prescribed deadline.
What allegations has NIA made?
According to the NIA, the seven foreign nationals are accused of having reached Myanmar via Mizoram, where there was an alleged plan to provide training to ethnic armed groups in techniques like operating drones, assembling drones and jamming them. The agency arrested him in March 2026. However, these are allegations and are yet to be finally confirmed in court.
The investigating agency had made allegations under sections of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 in the charge sheet filed on September 8. The provisions of UAPA were not included in this. The NIA had clarified that further investigation of the case is underway under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Why did Congress raise questions on the government?
After the accused in the case were allowed to go abroad, Congress leaders questioned the Central Government. Party leaders expressed apprehension about whether US pressure had any impact on the matter. He also raised questions on the non-inclusion of UAPA sections in the chargesheet and the circumstances of foreign nationals reaching Myanmar from India.
However, allegations related to foreign pressure have been made by the Congress. There is no finding in the available reports that there was any external government pressure on the court’s decision. The NIA investigation is ongoing and further legal proceedings in the case will be important.
