Following the detention of an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai airport, New Delhi calls on Beijing to respect international travel norms and avoid selective targeting.
Detention Incident Sparks Diplomatic Protest
India has formally requested assurances from China that Indian nationals transiting through Chinese airports will not be selectively targeted, following a troubling case involving a woman from Arunachal Pradesh.
Prema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian passport holder, was detained for 18 hours at Shanghai airport on November 21. Chinese authorities allegedly declared her passport invalid, citing her birthplace in Arunachal Pradesh—a state Beijing claims as part of southern Tibet.
She was ultimately barred from boarding her connecting flight to Japan, sparking outrage in India and prompting a strong diplomatic protest to Beijing.
India Demands Respect for Global Travel Protocols
At a press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed India’s firm position:
“We expect the Chinese authorities to provide assurances that Indian citizens transiting through Chinese airports will not be selectively targeted, arbitrarily detained, or harassed.”
He also reiterated that international travel regulations must be upheld by all countries, and advised Indian nationals to “exercise due discretion” when traveling to or through China.
China’s Border Claims at the Core
The incident reflects a deeper and ongoing geopolitical fault line between the two nations. China claims Arunachal Pradesh—which it refers to as Zangnan—as part of southern Tibet. India has consistently rejected these claims, maintaining that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its sovereign territory.
While the Chinese Foreign Ministry has yet to comment on this specific case, it has previously stated that airport checks are conducted in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations.
Setback Amid Cautious Diplomatic Thaw
This episode comes at a delicate time. India and China have been cautiously warming diplomatic ties after several years of friction, including the deadly 2020 border clash in the Galwan Valley that left 20 Indian and 4 Chinese soldiers dead.
Despite this history, efforts have been made to re-engage. In August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China for the first time in seven years, meeting President Xi Jinping in a bid to emphasize partnership over rivalry.
However, incidents like the detention of Thongdok risk undermining these efforts and highlight the fragile nature of ongoing rapprochement.
Implications for Indian Travellers
The Indian government’s advisory sends a clear signal to travelers:
- Citizens, especially those from sensitive regions like Arunachal Pradesh, should carefully consider routes that transit through China.
- Travellers should ensure they carry all valid documentation and report any harassment to Indian embassies immediately.
- Avoiding Chinese airports as transit hubs may be advisable until further clarity and assurances are received.
