Indian Court Extends Detention of Ukrainians, Bars Embassy Officials from Hearings

Foreign Nationals Detained in India

According to Главком: A special court of India's National Investigation Agency has ordered the continued detention of seven foreign nationals, including six Ukrainians, who are suspected of planning terrorist attacks. The ruling, issued on April 6, authorizes their custody for an additional 30 days. The proceedings were held behind closed doors, and Ukrainian embassy officials were barred from attending the last two court hearings.

Circumstances of the Arrests

The Ukrainian citizens were arrested in March at several locations:

• Three were detained at Lucknow airport;
• Another three were taken into custody in Delhi;
• An American citizen was arrested at Kolkata airport.

All detainees had entered India legally but subsequently traveled to the state of Mizoram without the required permit to visit restricted areas. This case highlights the legal complexities foreigners can face when navigating India's internal security regulations.

The Ukrainian embassy stated it has 'utilized all available political and diplomatic tools to gain consular access to the detainees,' but its diplomats were still denied entry to the court sessions. The foreign nationals are accused of plotting terrorist attacks and illegally supplying drones to armed groups.

This situation has raised concerns in Ukraine and internationally, as it could affect bilateral relations between Kyiv and New Delhi. The detention of Ukrainian citizens abroad often involves intricate legal and diplomatic challenges, particularly when terrorism allegations are involved. The ongoing case may lead to further negotiations between Ukraine and India to ensure the detainees' rights and fair judicial treatment are upheld.

In light of the ongoing detention of Ukrainian nationals, the situation has prompted Ukraine to formally request consular access to its citizens held in India. This development underscores the complexities faced by foreign individuals entangled in legal issues abroad. For more insights into Ukraine's demands and the implications for diplomatic relations, read the full story on Ukraine's call for consular support.