CONGRESS ACCUSES MODI GOVERNMENT OF US PRESSURE IN MATTHEW VANDYKE BAIL CASE

September 25, 2026

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Friday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of compromising national security after American national Matthew Aaron VanDyke, arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a suspected terror-conspiracy case, was granted default bail and reportedly allowed to return to the United States. The party alleged that pressure from Washington influenced the decision. These allegations have not been independently established.

Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh criticised the government, questioning how VanDyke and other foreign nationals were issued visas and permitted to travel through India towards Myanmar. He also sought an explanation from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the circumstances surrounding their entry and movement.

According to Ramesh, the group was arrested on March 13, while the NIA had subsequently alleged that the accused were connected with ethnic armed groups and suspected activities involving drones. The agency later filed a chargesheet against seven foreign nationals under provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act but did not include charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), stating that further investigation was continuing.

The Congress leader claimed that the issue of VanDyke was raised during US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India in May, when US Ambassador Sergio Gor reportedly discussed the matter with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Ramesh alleged that UAPA charges were subsequently dropped and questioned whether the decision followed American pressure. The government and investigating agencies’ responses to these specific allegations were not included in the report.

The NIA’s chargesheet stated that further investigation was required to verify the full circumstances of the alleged conspiracy, including the recovery of drones and accessories and the examination of seized digital devices. The case concerns allegations against the accused, and the investigation’s final findings remain subject to the legal process.