Ukraine expressed objection to the arrest of 7 foreign nationals in India, asked for ‘consular access’

New Delhi19 March. The Ministry of External Affairs informed on Thursday that after the arrest of six Ukrainians and one American citizen, India has received a request for consular access from the concerned government. The ministry said the request will be considered keeping in mind the legal requirements involved in the case.

One American and 6 Ukrainians were among the foreign nationals arrested.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that there is a lot in this matter and he is aware of it. This is a legal matter. The concerned agencies of the Government of India are investigating this. “We have received the request for consular access and will look into it keeping in mind the legal requirements involved in the case,” he said.

All foreign citizens trying to escape from India

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday arrested one American and six Ukrainian citizens from different places including Delhi, Lucknow and Kolkata airports. This arrest took place when he was trying to escape from India. After this, a special NIA court sent all the seven foreigners to NIA custody for 11 days.

Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (March 19, 2026)

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 19, 2026

Allegation – Imported a large consignment of drones from Europe via India

It is alleged that these foreign nationals came to India on visa and then entered Mizoram. After this they entered Myanmar and contacted the ethnic war group. The anti-terror agency investigating the case said that the accused imported a large consignment of drones from Europe via India for the use of Ethnic Armed Groups (EAG) in Myanmar. Interestingly, these groups are linked to rebel groups in Northeast India.

When asked about his entry into Myanmar via Mizoram, noting that foreigners coming to Mizoram require a Protected Area Permit (PAP), Jaiswal said the agencies investigating the case and the court will find out whether he had obtained it or not.

Jaiswal said, ‘There is a ban on movement in the protected area. The court will investigate whether he had any such special document or not. It is certain that they will need such documents to travel in those areas.

‘We have appealed for restraint and de-escalation in the West Asia crisis’

Referring to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Jaiswal said India has appealed for de-escalation of the conflict. Jaiswal said in the weekly briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs, ‘We have appealed for restraint and de-escalation in the West Asia crisis.’ He said that Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has spoken to his counterpart in UAE and other foreign ministers including the GCC.

Jaiswal said, ‘We reiterate our appeal to end the fighting soon. In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the Sultan of Oman about the situation. Describing the attacks on oil plants and energy infrastructure as very disturbing, Jaiswal said, ‘Yes, it is a matter of concern… As you know, energy shipping routes have been affected. Here in India, the Petroleum Ministry is holding daily press briefings on this issue.

India now even from Russia LPG preparing to buy

He said, ‘The supply of LPG is a matter of concern. Therefore, we are giving priority to domestic consumption and domestic consumers first. Their needs will be taken care of and then we will decide how to arrange LPG supply to commercial places. However, this remains a matter of concern due to supply shortage. India will also buy LPG from Russia.