PM Is Compromised': Congress Slams Centre Over Release of US National Matthew VanDyke

Congress Questions VanDyke's Release

The Congress has stepped up its criticism of the Centre after US national Matthew Aaron VanDyke was released from Tihar Jail and permitted to travel to the United States for a month.

VanDyke was among seven foreign nationals arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) earlier this year in connection with an investigation involving alleged training of ethnic armed groups in Myanmar. A special NIA court in Delhi allowed VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals to travel to their respective countries after they were granted default bail.

Jairam Ramesh Alleges US Pressure

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh questioned the circumstances surrounding VanDyke's release and alleged that pressure from the United States had influenced the outcome.

Ramesh referred to VanDyke's arrest in March, the allegations presented by the NIA and the subsequent dropping of provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) from the September 8 chargesheet.

He also questioned how the foreign nationals were initially granted visas and allowed to travel through India to Myanmar. Ramesh demanded an explanation from the Union Home Minister over the handling of the case.

Pawan Khera Says 'PM Is Compromised'

Congress leader Pawan Khera also attacked the government over the development.

Khera alleged that VanDyke had entered Mizoram without the required permit, crossed into Myanmar and provided weapons training to armed groups before returning to India. He contrasted the treatment of VanDyke with the deportation of Indian citizens from the United States.

Khera used the phrase “PM is compromised” while alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was under pressure from the US administration. These are political allegations made by Khera and have not been established as findings by a court or independent investigation.

Why Was VanDyke Arrested?

VanDyke was arrested by the NIA in March 2026 along with six Ukrainian nationals.

The NIA investigation concerns alleged involvement in a drone-warfare training camp linked to ethnic armed groups operating in Myanmar. The agency had accused the foreign nationals of involvement in activities connected to training and support for such groups.

The case subsequently developed through proceedings involving bail, immigration-related offences and the status of the UAPA provisions.

UAPA Provisions Dropped From Chargesheet

The latest development followed changes in the legal proceedings against the accused.

The NIA's September 8 chargesheet did not retain the UAPA provisions under which the group had initially been investigated. VanDyke was instead charged under provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act relating to alleged violations.

The NIA has maintained that its investigation under the UAPA is continuing despite the chargesheet being filed under immigration-related provisions.

Court Allows Travel to the US

A special court at Delhi's Rouse Avenue Courts allowed VanDyke to travel to the United States for a month to meet his family.

The court also permitted six Ukrainian nationals involved in the case to travel to Ukraine. The accused had been granted default bail, subject to conditions and completion of formalities.

VanDyke left Tihar Jail on September 24 after the court order.

Immigration Case and Penalty

VanDyke's legal proceedings also involved alleged violations of India's immigration rules.

According to reports, he paid ₹5.5 lakh in compounding charges to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in connection with alleged illegal entry. His lawyers subsequently moved an application seeking his discharge.

The six Ukrainian nationals were also discharged under relevant provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act after the immigration-related offences were compounded, according to reports.

Congress Raises Questions Over National Security

The Congress has used the development to raise broader questions about national security, immigration checks and the treatment of foreign nationals accused in security-related cases.

Jairam Ramesh questioned how the foreign nationals were able to obtain visas and travel through India to Myanmar in the first place. He also asked what, if anything, India received in return for the alleged US intervention.

These questions reflect the Congress party's political position. The court's decision to permit travel does not itself establish the political allegations regarding US pressure.

Government and Legal Position

The court's permission for VanDyke to travel came after the legal proceedings moved towards immigration-related charges and default bail.

The available reports do not establish that the US government directly influenced the court's decision. Congress leaders have alleged such influence, while the judicial order concerns the legal status and travel permission of the accused.

The NIA's investigation into the underlying allegations remains an important part of the case.

Key Takeaways

• US national Matthew Aaron VanDyke was released from Tihar Jail on September 24.

• A Delhi special court allowed him to travel to the United States for one month.

• VanDyke was arrested by the NIA in March along with six Ukrainian nationals.

• The case concerns alleged training of ethnic armed groups in Myanmar.

• Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera questioned the Centre's handling of the case.

• Ramesh alleged that US pressure influenced the outcome; this remains a political allegation.

• Pawan Khera used the phrase “PM is compromised” while criticising the government.

• UAPA provisions were dropped from the September 8 chargesheet, while the NIA has said its broader investigation is continuing.

• VanDyke reportedly paid ₹5.5 lakh in compounding charges related to alleged immigration violations.

• The court's travel order followed the grant of default bail and related legal proceedings.