Delhi court allows Matthew VanDyke to remain abroad in Myanmar arms training case

A Delhi court has permitted American national Matthew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainian citizens to remain abroad until February 24 as central agencies continue investigating an international arms and drone training ring operating near India's eastern border.

Special judge Prashant Sharma granted the extension at Rouse Avenue courts after VanDyke complied with previous court directives by returning to India and appearing in person within 72 hours of his arrival from the United States. VanDyke had been permitted to travel to his home country in September to visit family after obtaining default bail.

National Investigation Agency counsel Rahul Tyagi informed the court that investigators required additional time to examine several pending aspects of the case, prompting the court to extend travel permissions for all seven accused.

Border security crackdown

The case stems from a swift operation by Indian security agencies in March, when the seven foreign nationals were apprehended following illegal border crossings. Central investigators established that the group entered India on tourist visas, traversed sensitive northeastern border zones without required permits, and illegally crossed from Mizoram into Myanmar.

According to the investigation, the operatives spent nearly three months imparting high-tech tactical training to Myanmar-based ethnic armed groups, including the Chin National Front and the Kachin Independence Army. The training covered drone warfare, flight operations, device assembly, and electronic jamming technologies designed to counter military forces across the border.

Ongoing national security investigation

While initial arrests were made under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the agency's formal chargesheet filed in September proceeded under Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act. VanDyke subsequently cleared compounding fees associated with these statutory infractions, satisfying initial court conditions.

However, central investigators emphasised that the broader counter-terrorism and security probe remains active. The agency previously revealed that the covert training mission was funded by foreign rebel commanders, with the operatives engaged in sophisticated equipment assembly in regional border belts.

All seven accused remain bound by court orders to return to India and participate in further proceedings as scheduled on February 24.