India issues strong demarche to China after an Arunachal Pradesh resident faced humiliation at Shanghai Pudong Airport. The incident sparked serious diplomatic concern, as Indian officials moved quickly to help the stranded passenger and demand accountability from Chinese authorities.
Harassment at Shanghai Airport Raises Serious Questions
The issue began when Prema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, was travelling from London to Japan with a transit halt in Shanghai. Chinese immigration officers pulled her out of the queue, questioned her nationality, and dismissed her Indian passport as “invalid.”
They claimed Arunachal Pradesh is not part of India and mocked her identity, which left her shocked and distressed.
Prema stated that immigration staff even suggested she “apply for a Chinese passport,” insisting she was not Indian. Airline staff allegedly joined the taunts, adding to the harassment. She remained stuck at the airport for nearly 18 hours and struggled to contact her family.
India Acts Swiftly and Challenges China’s Conduct
India issues strong demarche to Beijing and New Delhi within hours of the incident. Officials stressed that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, and its residents have full rights to carry and travel with Indian passports.
The Indian Consulate in Shanghai responded immediately. Officials reached the airport, assisted Prema with food, and coordinated her safe exit. India also highlighted that China’s actions violate international civil aviation rules, including commitments under the Chicago and Montreal Conventions.
Broader Diplomatic Context
The incident comes at a time when India and China are attempting to stabilise relations through ongoing high-level interactions. India, however, continues to reject China’s attempts to question the status of Arunachal Pradesh.
New Delhi maintains a clear and consistent position: creative renaming or administrative claims cannot change India’s territorial integrity.
A Concerning Case for International Travel Rights
The episode underscores growing concerns about how geopolitical tensions affect Indian citizens abroad. It also shows how misinformation or political posturing can spill into civilian travel spaces.
India issues strong demarche not only to defend one traveller but also to send a firm message: the nation will protect the dignity and rights of every Indian citizen.
