India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has called on China to provide firm assurances that Indian citizens travelling to or transiting through the country will not be selectively targeted, harassed, or arbitrarily detained. This comes after a recent incident involving an Indian national at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
The incident involved Pema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian passport holder from Arunachal Pradesh, who was travelling from London to Japan. Upon her layover in Shanghai on November 21, Chinese authorities reportedly declared her passport “invalid,” citing her birthplace in Arunachal Pradesh, a region claimed by China. She was held in the transit area for around 18 hours without adequate facilities and was only released after intervention by Indian diplomatic staff.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that India expects China to recognise and respect international travel regulations and treat all Indian citizens fairly. He also reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, rejecting any attempt by Beijing to deny the validity of Indian passports based on disputed territorial claims.
In response to the incident, the MEA issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals, urging them to exercise due discretion while travelling to or through China. Citizens are advised to stay informed about transit regulations and remain cautious, particularly in regions sensitive to China-India territorial disputes.
The incident has renewed diplomatic concerns between the two countries. While India and China have been working to stabilise bilateral ties, cases like this highlight ongoing sensitivities, especially regarding citizens from disputed areas. The MEA’s call for assurances and its travel advisory may influence travel plans until China formally guarantees that Indian nationals will not face arbitrary detention or harassment in transit.
This episode highlights the importance of diplomatic vigilance and protection of citizens abroad, and highlights the continuing complexities arising from territorial disputes affecting ordinary travellers. India’s prompt intervention and advisory aim to safeguard its citizens while maintaining adherence to international travel norms.
Also Read: Parliament clears pan masala cess
