Myanmar Training Camp Case: Matthew VanDyke Allowed to Stay Outside India Until February 24

October 23, 2026

New Delhi: A Delhi court has allowed US national Matthew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals accused in the Myanmar training camp case to remain outside India until February 24, 2027. VanDyke appeared before the Rouse Avenue Court on Friday after returning from the United States, where he had travelled to meet his family with the court’s permission.

The case is being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The agency has accused the seven men of entering Mizoram without the required travel documents and crossing into Myanmar, where they allegedly trained armed groups in drone warfare.

The latest court order allows the six Ukrainian nationals to stay outside India until the next hearing. VanDyke has also been allowed to travel to the United States.

Why Were VanDyke and Six Ukrainians Arrested?

The NIA arrested VanDyke and the six Ukrainian nationals on March 13, 2026. The agency alleged that they entered Mizoram without the necessary documents before crossing into Myanmar.

According to the NIA, the group allegedly trained members of ethnic armed organisations in drone operations, drone assembly and jamming technology. The groups named in the case include the Chin National Front and the Kachin Independence Army, which have been fighting Myanmar’s military junta.

The allegations concern suspected training activities linked to the conflict in Myanmar. However, the charges have not been established in court as findings of guilt.

Why Did the Court Allow Them to Stay Abroad?

In September, the Rouse Avenue Court allowed all seven accused to travel to their respective countries for a month. VanDyke was permitted to visit his family in the US, while the six Ukrainian nationals were allowed to travel to Ukraine. They were required to return as directed and cooperate with the investigation when called upon.

The accused had earlier received default bail after the NIA failed to file the relevant charges within the statutory period for the alleged offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

In its chargesheet filed in September, the NIA invoked Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. It did not include charges under the UAPA at that stage.

The agency told the court that its investigation into possible offences under the anti-terror law was still underway. It also said a supplementary chargesheet could be filed if further investigation established an offence.

The court’s decision to allow the accused to remain abroad does not mean the case has been closed. The NIA investigation is continuing, and the next hearing is scheduled for February 24, 2027.