India has strongly criticized China for declaring the passport of an Arunachal Pradesh woman “invalid” and detaining her at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Chinese foreign ministry’s claims are unacceptable and violate global travel norms. India clarified that the woman possessed a valid Indian passport and was on her way to Japan when Chinese authorities stopped her without justification.
Jaiswal stated that Arunachal Pradesh is an “integral and inalienable part of India,” a fact that remains unchanged regardless of China’s repeated objections. He emphasized that no amount of denial from Beijing can alter this established reality. India has taken up the issue with China “strongly and firmly,” demanding an explanation for the arbitrary detention, which violates multiple international aviation conventions.
The MEA also pointed out that China’s action contradicts its own rules allowing 24-hour visa-free transit for passengers of all nationalities. The incident occurred because China continues to claim Arunachal Pradesh as its territory, leading officials to term the passport “invalid.”
India’s sharp reaction underscores rising tensions over repeated Chinese attempts to question India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh.
