US Mercenary Matthew VanDyke Released from Tihar Jail for a Month

American national Matthew Aaron VanDyke and a Ukrainian citizen have been released from Tihar Jail in Delhi as a court permitted them to return to their home countries for one month. This decision was made on Thursday, September 24, 2026, and is contingent upon certain formalities and conditions.

Matthew VanDyke, along with six other foreign nationals, had been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) earlier this year in connection with investigations into alleged activities tied to a drone warfare training camp in Myanmar associated with ethnic armed groups.

The court's permission also extends to the other six Ukrainian citizens, who were similarly granted default bail, allowing for travel to their respective countries. Upon their release, VanDyke was seen departing Tihar Jail, as reported by the news agency ANI.

The special NIA court at Rouse Avenue clarified that all seven foreign nationals are still under investigation for their involvement in potentially unlawful activities. The NIA has been scrutinising their alleged participation in a training regimen focused on drone operations, which is posited to have connections to militant factions in both India and Myanmar.

The six Ukrainian individuals had been granted bail on personal recognisances and monetary pledges of ₹1 lakh each. Furthermore, the court discharged them under various sections of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, acknowledging previous penalties imposed by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

The NIA's investigations have raised concerns regarding the group’s illegal entry into Myanmar through the state of Mizoram, reportedly without proper documentation. Investigators have alleged that the accused were engaged in a series of activities aimed at supporting armed groups operating in Myanmar against the military government.

Matthew VanDyke's bail conditions were modified by the court, enabling him to seek permission specifically to visit the United States. Previously, the NIA had initiated their case against all seven under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, but subsequent reports from the agency indicate that the case had shifted focus toward immigration violations.

The NIA's initial inquiry covered a broad spectrum of alleged terrorist conspiracies, which included provisions for drone training aimed at various factions. While the primary investigation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act remains pending, the NIA has signalled that they may file additional charges if significant findings arise from ongoing investigations.

This ongoing legal matter underscores the complex interplay between security, foreign nationals, and the fight against terrorism in South Asia, particularly as it relates to the utilisation of new technologies such as drones in armed conflicts.

Official statements are expected as investigations proceed and as the individuals navigate their travel back home amid their ongoing legal situations.