Indian Woman Detained in China Over Passport Issue
A diplomatic row has erupted after an Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh was detained for over 18 hours at Shanghai International Airport. Chinese immigration reportedly refusing to accept her Indian passport. International attention is turned toward this developing situation. Also, It has become one of the most discussed news stories of late involving India-China relations.
India Lodges Firm Protest Against China
The MEA Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, informed that India has taken up the issue “strongly” with the Chinese counterparts. The woman detained was Prema Wangjom Thongdok. She was on her way to Japan from Shanghai when immigration officials stopped her on the pretext. They said that her Indian passport was “invalid” because Arunachal Pradesh was her place of birth.
Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s longstanding position. He said,
“Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. Whatever the level of rejection may be from the Chinese side, the fact cannot be denied.”
His comments came one day after China’s Foreign Ministry claimed the passenger was dealt with in line with Chinese laws.
Event Gains Popularity on Social Media
Ms. Thongdok recounted on November 23, 2025, how she was detained at the airport for over 18 hours on November 21.
She said Chinese immigration and China Eastern Airlines declared her passport invalid. It is because Arunachal Pradesh, according to them, belongs to China.
Her post quickly spread on social media. It provoked widespread outrage and concern over China’s continued denial of Arunachal Pradesh as part of India.
The timing is not irrelevant as China Eastern Airlines had resumed service on the Shanghai–Delhi route only recently, on November 9, 2025, re-establishing air links after a gap of five years.
India Issues a Strong Demarche to China Following the viral post. Indian officials reacted quickly: On November 24, they told that India had made a “strong demarche” to China over the detention.
Jaiswal pointed out that the Chinese officials have failed to give any valid justification for their actions, which he claimed breach.
Global aviation travel agreements
China has implemented a 24-hour visa-free transit policy applicable to citizens of all nations.
India pointed out that detainment of a valid passport holder while passing legally through an airport was the contravention of accepted norms governing international travel.
A Broader Diplomatic Framework
China has repeatedly sought to claim Arunachal Pradesh as its own while protesting trips by Indian officials to the area and giving “stapled visas” to locals of the region. India has always denied the claims, saying the area is its territory with full sovereignty.
This new incident adds to growing tensions and comes at a time when China is continuing its efforts to undermine India’s territorial integrity. But the prompt, strong response from India reflects a very different diplomatic stance on the issue.
Implications for Travelers
The incident is a cause for concern for residents of Arunachal Pradesh and the rest of the northeastern states when undertaking travel to or via China. It underlines the necessity for transparency in diplomacy, especially now as both nations are trying to repair ties and open communication channels.
As this news story continues to evolve, the incident becomes one of the most recent news updates to happen recently in the foreign policy arena of India. Further statements are expected from both countries.
