India has launched a strong diplomatic protest against China following the arbitrary detention of an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The incident, which occurred on November 21, 2025, saw a three-hour layover transform into an 18-hour ordeal for the traveler.
Diplomatic Standoff Over Transit Passenger
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India has taken up the matter strongly with Chinese authorities. The detained passenger, Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, was traveling from London to Japan when Chinese officials intercepted her during transit.
Jaiswal emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, calling this a self-evident fact that no amount of Chinese denial can change. He pointed out that China has failed to provide any explanation for detaining a passenger who held valid documents and was merely transiting through Shanghai.
18-Hour Airport Ordeal Details
Thongdok described her harrowing experience on social media platform X, revealing that she was held at Shanghai airport for over 18 hours. Chinese authorities declared her Indian passport invalid solely because her birthplace was Arunachal Pradesh, which they claimed belongs to China.
During her detention, Thongdok alleged she was confined without proper food, denied basic facilities, and prevented from boarding her connecting flight to Japan despite holding a valid visa. Her passport was confiscated, and she faced what she described as humiliation and racial mockery from Chinese officials.
Political Condemnation and Response
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu condemned the incident as unacceptable and appalling. He stated that subjecting an Indian citizen with valid documents to such treatment was completely unjustified and reaffirmed that Arunachal Pradesh has always been and will always remain an integral part of India.
The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee also joined in condemning the detention, calling it shocking and a blatant violation of human dignity. APCC president Bosiram Siram emphasized that every Arunachalee is a patriotic Indian and urged the central government to take swift diplomatic action.
Thongdok has formally written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior officials, describing the episode as a direct insult to India's sovereignty and the people of Arunachal Pradesh. She has demanded accountability from China, disciplinary action against the officials involved, and compensation for the harassment she endured.
Broader Implications and China's Territorial Claims
This incident occurs against the backdrop of China's long-standing claim over Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as South Tibet. India has consistently rejected these claims, maintaining that the state is an inalienable part of Indian territory.
The detention violates international aviation conventions and China's own 24-hour visa-free transit rules, raising concerns about Beijing's adherence to international travel norms. The Indian government continues to press for a formal explanation and assurances that such incidents will not recur, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two Asian giants.
