India has sought a clear explanation from China after an Indian woman citizen from Arunachal Pradesh was detained at Shanghai International Airport, reaffirming that the northeastern state is an “integral and inalienable part of India.”
The woman, carrying a valid Indian passport, was stopped while transiting through Shanghai on her way to Japan. The incident has heightened diplomatic tensions, with New Delhi accusing Beijing of violating international aviation norms as well as China’s own 24-hour visa-free transit policy.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal strongly condemned the incident, stating that India had taken up the matter with Chinese authorities at the highest level. “No amount of denial by the Chinese side is going to change this indisputable reality,” he said, reiterating Arunachal Pradesh’s status as Indian territory.
Jaiswal added that China has yet to provide any credible justification for the detention, calling the move a breach of several international air travel conventions.
China, however, defended its stance. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning repeated Beijing’s claim that “Zangnan is China’s territory,” denying recognition of Arunachal Pradesh as part of India. She rejected reports of mistreatment, asserting that there was “no so-called ‘detaining’ or ‘harassing’,” and said that border authorities followed regulations while ensuring the woman’s rights were protected. According to her, the airline provided resting facilities and meals during the process.
The episode has once again spotlighted the longstanding territorial dispute over Arunachal Pradesh—referred to by China as South Tibet. The detention of an Indian traveller holding valid documentation has added fresh friction to the already sensitive India-China relationship, with New Delhi insisting on full accountability and clarification from Beijing.
Arunachal Pradesh Woman Detained at Shanghai Airport: Arunachal Pradesh is a integral part of India
“Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, and this is a self-evident fact. No amount of denial by the Chinese side is going to change this indisputable reality,” Mr. Jaiswal said. His remarks came after China’s Foreign Ministry claimed that the woman, Prema Wangjom Thongdok, was handled “according to Chinese laws.”
Ms. Thongdok revealed on social media that she was detained for over 18 hours at Shanghai airport on November 21, 2025. She said Chinese immigration and China Eastern Airlines declared her Indian passport “invalid” because her birthplace was listed as Arunachal Pradesh — which China claims as its territory.
Her detention is particularly significant as China Eastern Airlines recently resumed its Shanghai–Delhi service on November 9, 2025, restoring air connectivity after five years. The service was revived following a meeting between Indian and Chinese leaders during the SCO Summit in Tianjin on August 31, 2025.
After the incident came to light, Indian officials issued a “strong demarche” to China on November 24, criticising the unlawful detention. Ms. Thongdok was travelling through Shanghai en route to Japan when the situation unfolded.
“The detention issue has been taken up strongly with the Chinese side. Chinese authorities have still not been able to explain their actions, which violate international air travel conventions,” Mr. Jaiswal added. He also noted that China’s actions breached its own rule allowing 24-hour visa-free transit for all nationalities.