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India releases American and six Ukrainians after six-month detention

An American citizen and six Ukrainian nationals have been freed by Indian authorities after spending half a year in custody on weapons smuggling allegations. The group was accused of attempting to supply arms and drones to armed separatist groups operating in India's Northeast.

LSN World News · 28 September 2026

India releases American and six Ukrainians after six-month detention

Matthew VanDyke, an American, and six Ukrainian nationals were released following their arrest on charges related to alleged weapons trafficking. The seven individuals had been held in Indian detention facilities since their apprehension approximately six months earlier. Authorities had accused them of involvement in a scheme to smuggle military equipment, including drones, to armed militant organizations engaged in ongoing conflicts in India's northeastern states. The specific circumstances leading to their release were not immediately detailed, though the development marks a significant development in the high-profile case. The incident underscores the complex security challenges facing India's border regions and the government's efforts to prevent the flow of weaponry to insurgent groups. The release of the detainees comes amid broader diplomatic considerations, as the involvement of foreign nationals in such cases often carries implications for international relations. Further details regarding the disposition of charges and conditions of their release remain unclear.