MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addresses a press conference in New Delhi on March 19, 2026.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Three days after six Ukrainian nationals and a U.S. citizen were produced in court by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for working with ethnic armed organisations inside Myanmar’s Chin State bordering Mizoram, officials here confirmed that they have received a request for “consular access” for the Ukrainian nationals from the Embassy of Ukraine. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday (March 19, 2026) that the six Ukrainians and an American were found to be “wanting” of the required permits for visiting Mizoram.“Relevant agencies of the Government of India are investigating the case presently. Yes. We have received consular access request and this will be addressed keeping in mind the legal requirements that are involved in this particular case,” said Mr. Jaiswal. The official remarks from the Indian side came soon after the Embassy of Ukraine expressed “serious concern” over the arrest raising questions over the reports that the arrests were “prompted by information provided by the Russian side”. “Ukraine firmly rejects any insinuations regarding the possible involvement of the Ukrainian state in supporting terrorist activities,” said the Embassy of Ukraine in a statement underscoring the need for “verified facts, transparent procedures, and full intergovernmental cooperation.” Published - March 19, 2026 11:34 pm IST
