New Delhi: India issued a firm diplomatic response after an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was detained for more than 18 hours at Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport. The traveller, who was on a valid Indian passport and in lawful transit, was denied routine procedures, triggering a strong protest from New Delhi.
The incident intensified when the Chinese Foreign Ministry released a statement challenging India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh. In response, the Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the remarks and criticised the treatment of the passenger, calling it a breach of international norms.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s position that Arunachal Pradesh remains an integral and inalienable part of the country. He stated that no assertions from China can alter this fact and confirmed that India had lodged formal protests in both New Delhi and Beijing.
The Ministry highlighted that the episode violated established aviation conventions, including the Chicago and Montreal frameworks that govern global air travel. India noted that China failed to justify the detention despite its own rules allowing up to 24 hours of visa-free international transit for all nationalities. Officials expressed concern that the passenger’s birthplace was singled out, leading Chinese authorities to declare her passport invalid.
The woman, identified as Prema Wang Thongdok, was travelling from London to Japan on November 21 when her three-hour layover in Shanghai turned into a prolonged ordeal. She later shared her experience on social media, stating that her documents were repeatedly questioned because her birthplace was listed as Arunachal Pradesh. She reported inconsistent instructions and lengthy interrogation before being allowed to continue her journey.
China has denied any misconduct, claiming that officials acted according to regulations and provided the traveller with basic amenities. However, Beijing’s renewed territorial claim over the region further escalated tensions.
Indian officials have described the episode as an unnecessary provocation at a time when both nations are attempting to stabilise relations. The government emphasised that harassment of Indian citizens based on political claims is unacceptable and that the status of Arunachal Pradesh is not subject to dispute.
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