CaliToday (25/11/2025): A major diplomatic incident has erupted between India and China after an Indian citizen was allegedly detained and humiliated for over 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). The reason for the detention was Beijing’s unilateral and disputed claim over the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China refers to as "South Tibet."
The incident involved Ms. Prema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian national from Arunachal Pradesh residing in the UK for the past 14 years. Ms. Thongdok was transiting through Shanghai from London Gatwick on her way to Japan when the geopolitical flashpoint literally hit home.
The Ordeal: "Arunachal is China – Your Passport is Invalid"
Recounting the humiliating ordeal to ANI news agency, Ms. Thongdok detailed the confrontation after she had cleared the electronic gate and was waiting for her connecting flight.
"Arunachal – not India, is China – China! Your visa is invalid. Your passport is void," a Chinese customs official allegedly declared before singling her out.
When Ms. Thongdok attempted to question the officials, they reportedly scoffed at her, telling her: "You should apply for a Chinese passport, you are Chinese, not Indian!" She reported constant ridicule from airport staff and even China Eastern Airlines personnel, who allegedly pointed and laughed at her travel document, leaving her feeling deeply shamed.
Adding to her distress, Ms. Thongdok noted the severe limitations on communications—no Google, WhatsApp, or unrestricted public Wi-Fi—leaving her isolated and unable to seek immediate assistance. She confirmed that she had checked with the Chinese Embassy in London beforehand and was assured that a transit visa was not required.
Diplomatic Crisis and Violation of Conventions
The crisis was only resolved late Friday evening after the urgent and direct intervention of the Indian Consulate in Shanghai and the Indian Embassy in Beijing. Ms. Thongdok was finally released around 10:30 PM local time.
Following her safe return, Ms. Thongdok issued an emotional plea, emphasizing the identity of the people from India's Northeast: "We are 100% Indian. We speak fluent Hindi... I want to raise awareness that the people of Northeast India do not deserve to be humiliated by being told that they are not citizens of the country they are proud of."
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) immediately lodged a strong diplomatic protest with China, both in Beijing and New Delhi, on November 21, 2025.
India’s Official Stance: New Delhi unequivocally affirmed that Arunachal Pradesh is an indisputable, integral part of India’s territory. Furthermore, the detention on this specific pretext was deemed "utterly baseless" and a violation of international civil aviation agreements, specifically the Chicago Convention and the Montreal Convention, regarding the free passage of travelers.
The unwarranted action by the Chinese officials is being viewed by India as an "unnecessary hindrance" to ongoing efforts to normalize the strained bilateral relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.