Indian Traveler's Nightmare at Shanghai Airport
An Indian woman from Arunachal Pradesh experienced a traumatic eighteen-hour detention at Shanghai Airport after Chinese immigration authorities declared her Indian passport invalid due to her birthplace being listed as Arunachal Pradesh. The incident occurred on November 24, 2025, when she was traveling from London to Japan with a layover in Shanghai.
The Harrowing Detention Experience
According to the woman's account, Chinese officials not only confiscated her passport but also subjected her to mocking behavior and insisted that Arunachal Pradesh is Chinese territory. During the prolonged detention, she was forced to purchase a new airline ticket while being denied basic amenities and communication access.
The situation only resolved after she managed to contact the Indian Consulate, which intervened on her behalf. The entire ordeal lasted through the night and into the following day, leaving the traveler emotionally shaken and concerned about the safety of other Indian citizens from border regions.
Broader Implications for India-China Relations
This incident highlights the growing risks faced by travelers from Arunachal Pradesh amid escalating tensions between India and China. The woman has characterized the event as a direct attack on India's sovereignty and has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the matter with Beijing authorities.
China's persistent territorial claims over what it calls Zangnan directly contradict India's position, which categorically rejects Beijing's narrative about Arunachal Pradesh. This passport rejection case represents one of the most direct applications of China's territorial claims affecting ordinary Indian citizens during international travel.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the potential for similar situations affecting other Indian nationals from border regions and the need for diplomatic measures to protect citizens' rights during international transit through Chinese airports.
