NIA Arrests American National Matthew VanDyke in Alleged Cross-Border Terror Conspiracy; Some BJP Leaders Found Following Him on X

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested American national Matthew Aaron VanDyke along with six Ukrainian citizens in a high-profile case involving alleged illegal border crossings, drone warfare training for ethnic armed groups in Myanmar, and potential threats to India’s national security.

VanDyke, 46, a Baltimore-based security analyst, documentary filmmaker, and founder of the non-profit organization Sons of Liberty International (SOLI), was detained at Kolkata airport on March 13, 2026. The Ukrainians were arrested in Delhi and Lucknow around the same time. All seven were produced before the Patiala House Court in Delhi, where the NIA was granted custody for interrogation under Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which pertains to conspiracy, support, abetment, or incitement to terrorist acts.

According to NIA officials, the group entered India on tourist visas but proceeded to restricted areas in Mizoram without proper permissions. They allegedly crossed illegally into Myanmar to provide training in drone operations, assembly, jamming technology, and related warfare tactics to Myanmar-based Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) opposing the military junta. Investigators claim these groups have links to Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) banned in India, raising concerns over the use of Indian territory for activities that could destabilize the northeast region. Reports also mention suspected smuggling of drones from Europe via India.

VanDyke, who has a history as a war correspondent and fighter in Libya (where he was imprisoned under Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 before escaping) and Syria, describes SOLI as supporting “defenseless” communities against oppression and terrorism. Critics, including some online commentators and media reports, have labeled him a mercenary or speculated about intelligence ties, though no official confirmation exists.

The arrests have sparked widespread discussion, particularly after social media users pointed out that several prominent BJP leaders and their official accounts appear to have followed VanDyke on X (formerly Twitter) prior to his arrest. Notable mentions include the official account of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s office (@nsitharamanoffc), Kerala BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar (@RajeevRC_X), and commentator Shefali Vaidya (@ShefVaidya). Opposition voices and some X posts have questioned these follows, suggesting they warrant scrutiny amid the NIA’s allegations of anti-India activities.

No official statements from the BJP or the named leaders have directly addressed the follows in connection with the arrest. The BJP has not commented publicly on the case as a party, though the arrests align with the government’s broader emphasis on countering cross-border threats in the northeast.

The US Embassy in India has acknowledged awareness of the situation involving its citizen but has provided no further details on diplomatic engagement. Ukraine has similarly noted the arrests of its nationals without elaborate response.

The NIA probe continues, focusing on potential wider networks, sleeper cells, and the full scope of the alleged conspiracy. Court proceedings and custodial interrogations are ongoing, with authorities examining travel records, communications, and any arms or technology transfers.

This development comes amid heightened regional tensions involving Myanmar’s civil conflict and its spillover effects on India’s borders.