New Delhi, March 19 – India said on Thursday that the case involving the arrest of six Ukrainian nationals is a "legal matter," and Indian government agencies are investigating the matter.
Addressing a weekly media briefing on Thursday, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal, also stated that India has received a request for consular access from the Ukrainian Embassy for those arrested.
When asked about Ukraine's statement regarding the arrest of its six nationals, Jaiswal said, "You are all aware of the case, and we are also aware of it. As you know, this is a legal matter, and the relevant GoI agencies are currently investigating it. We had a related question regarding whether we had received a request for consular access. Yes, we have received a request for consular access, and this will be addressed, keeping in mind the legal requirements involved in this particular case."
Six Ukrainian nationals, along with an American, face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). They have been remanded in custody for 11 days by a special NIA court in Delhi.
Earlier in the day, the Ukrainian Embassy in India expressed serious concern over the detention of six Ukrainian nationals, terming it "orchestrated and politically motivated." The Ukrainian Embassy rejected any insinuations about the possible involvement of the Ukrainian state in supporting terrorist activities.
The Embassy stated: "Taking into account publicly available information regarding the detention of six citizens of Ukraine, including media reports indicating that the initiation of this proceeding was prompted by information provided by the Russian side, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of India expresses serious concern regarding 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. Ukraine is a state that faces the consequences of Russian terror on a daily basis, and for this very reason, takes a principled and uncompromising stance in combating terrorism in all its forms," it added.
The Ukrainian embassy expressed its readiness for active cooperation between the competent authorities of Ukraine and their Indian counterparts, particularly based on the existing bilateral Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, which provides for the broadest possible measures of mutual legal assistance and interaction through the central authorities of the parties.
According to the statement, Ukraine expects that the Indian authorities will ensure the legality, transparency, and openness of the process, as well as the proper observance of the rights of the detained Ukrainian citizens, in accordance with the norms and principles of international law.
The Embassy said, "We also emphasise that Ukraine has no interest in any activity that could pose a threat to the security of India. On the contrary, Ukraine consistently advocates for strengthening security, trust, and cooperation with India as an influential and friendly state."