The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially requested assurances from China that Indian citizens transiting through Chinese airports will not experience selective targeting, arbitrary detention, or harassment. This request follows the recent detention of Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a woman from Arunachal Pradesh, at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
During a weekly press briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the need for Beijing to adhere to international air travel standards and honor the validity of Indian travel documents. The ministry also released a travel advisory, urging Indian nationals traveling to or through China to “exercise due discretion.”
Jaiswal’s comments were prompted by inquiries about the circumstances surrounding Thongdok’s ordeal. She was detained for nearly 18 hours on November 21 while transiting in Shanghai on her way from London to Japan. Reports indicate that Chinese immigration officials declared her Indian passport “invalid,” claiming that Arunachal Pradesh is part of China, and subjected her to humiliating questioning.
“We fully share your concern regarding the incident at Shanghai airport,” Jaiswal stated. “We expect the Chinese authorities to provide clear assurances that Indian citizens transiting through their airports will not be selectively targeted or harassed, and that established regulations governing international air travel will be duly respected.”
In the aftermath of the incident, India reiterated its longstanding position that Arunachal Pradesh is an “integral and inalienable part of India,” insisting that no denial from Beijing can change this “indisputable reality.”
The MEA’s advisory reflects growing concerns regarding China’s repeated attempts to challenge the sovereignty of Arunachal Pradesh and underscores India’s firm commitment to safeguarding its citizens’ rights during international travel.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/national/story/centre-urges-china-to-provide-assurances-not-to-selectively-humiliate-indian-citizens-at-airports-1314729-2025-12-08?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-12-08 21:53:00
