Overview
- MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi expects written or public assurances that Indians transiting Chinese airports will not be selectively targeted, arbitrarily detained or harassed.
- India advised its citizens to exercise due discretion when traveling to or through China following the late-November incident.
- Prema (Pema) Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian passport holder born in Arunachal Pradesh and resident in the UK, reported being held for about 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong before departing after Indian consular intervention.
- Beijing rejected allegations of detention or harassment, saying border checks were conducted under Chinese law, that the traveler’s rights were protected, and reiterating its claim over Arunachal Pradesh.
- New Delhi lodged a formal demarche, reaffirmed that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, and warned that such episodes risk undermining recent steps to stabilize ties, including resumed flights and restored visas.