Ukraine seeks fair probe into detention of 6 nationals in India

Ukraine has sought a transparent probe into the detention of six of its nationals in Mizoram, denied any terror links, and offered cooperation to India, even as New Delhi said investigations are underway and a request for consular access is under consideration

New Delhi: Days after six Ukrainian nationals were detained by Indian authorities, Ukraine on Thursday called for a transparent investigation into the case and expressed readiness to cooperate in the probe.

At the same time, Ukraine said it “firmly rejects any insinuations regarding the possible involvement of the Ukrainian state in supporting terrorist activities” in India.

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The Ukrainian nationals were detained on charges of entering Mizoram without authorisation and for alleged unlawful activities. An American national was also detained in the case.

According to reports, the Ukrainian nationals were slapped with charges of unlawful activities for allegedly helping certain entities in Myanmar which work closely with anti-India insurgent groups.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in his weekly media briefing that relevant agencies of the government are investigating the case.

He said New Delhi has received a request for consular access to the Ukrainian nationals and a decision will be taken keeping in mind the legal requirements.

Ukraine’s ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk had met Secretary (West) in the External Affairs Ministry, Sibi George, this week and sought consular access to the Ukrainians.

The embassy of Ukraine on Thursday took strong note of media reports indicating that the initiation of action in the case was “prompted” by information provided by the Russian side.

In a statement, the mission expressed its “serious concern” over what it claimed as the “presence of circumstances that point to a possible orchestrated and politically motivated nature of this case, as evidenced, in particular, by the facts known at this stage”.

“Ukraine firmly rejects any insinuations regarding the possible involvement of the Ukrainian state in supporting terrorist activities,” it said.

The embassy also referred to a India-Ukraine joint statement issued in August 2024 in which both sides strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and emphasised that there can be no justification for terrorism.

“Proceeding from this shared position, Ukraine maintains that any allegation related to terrorism must be considered exclusively on the basis of verified facts, transparent procedures, and full intergovernmental cooperation,” the embassy said.

“In this regard, Ukraine emphasises the necessity of ensuring objectivity, transparency, and impartiality in the investigation of this case,” it said.

In this context, the Ukrainian side said it is ready to provide “active cooperation” to the India authorities, especially under the framework of the existing bilateral treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.

“We also emphasize that Ukraine has no interest in any activity that could pose a threat to the security of India,” the embassy said.

“On the contrary, Ukraine consistently advocates for strengthening security, trust, and cooperation with India as an influential and friendly state,” it said.

“Instead, it is Russia, as an aggressor state, that seeks under every circumstance to drive a wedge between friendly countries — Ukraine and India,” the embassy alleged.