Ukraine Demands Consular Access for Citizens Detained in India

Ukrainian Nationals Detained in India

According to Главком: Ukraine's embassy in India is demanding immediate consular access to its citizens who were detained on March 13th. An Indian court has extended the suspects' detention until March 27th. They face charges related to terrorism and illegal border crossing.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that its consular officials have so far been denied access to the detainees. On March 18th, the embassy in New Delhi sent a formal note to India's Ministry of External Affairs reiterating the demand for immediate and unimpeded consular access, according to a press release.

Details of the Arrests

Seven foreign nationals, including six Ukrainian citizens, were arrested on March 13th. After their arrest, the suspects were taken to Delhi. Initially held for three days, a court has now extended their custody for another 11 days, until March 27th. Three Ukrainians were detained at Lucknow airport, while the other three were held in Delhi. Additionally, a U.S. citizen was detained by immigration officials at Kolkata airport.

While all suspects entered India legally, they subsequently traveled to the state of Mizoram without the required permit for visiting restricted areas, crossing the border from Myanmar. The investigation has established that the suspects may have been organizing the supply of large shipments of drones from Europe to Myanmar via Indian territory. India's National Investigation Agency has opened a case under Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, which pertains to the preparation of terrorist acts.

This incident highlights the critical importance of consular protection for citizens detained abroad. The situation underscores the complexities of Ukraine's diplomatic relations with India, a nation with which it has historically maintained strong ties. The Ukrainian embassy continues to work actively to ensure the rights of its detained citizens and their access to legal assistance.

The ongoing situation has raised significant concerns regarding the safety and rights of detained foreign nationals. As reported, the allegations against the detainees involve serious charges, including the potential organization of drone supplies for terrorist activities. For a deeper understanding of the implications of these arrests, including the context surrounding the drone smuggling allegations and their impact on international relations, click here.