India has issued a firm response to China regarding the recent detention of an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai Airport, unequivocally stating that the northeastern state is an integral and inalienable part of India. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson addressed the issue, highlighting that the individual was traveling with a valid Indian passport when detained and questioned.
During her transit in Shanghai en route to Japan, the woman claims Chinese immigration officers declared her passport invalid, asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is not Indian territory, and questioned her national identity. She reported being held for 18 hours and facing mockery. India has protested this action, pointing out that it violates international air travel norms and China’s own transit policies. Consular assistance was immediately provided to the traveler by Indian officials in Shanghai.
China has denied the allegations, with its Foreign Ministry spokesperson stating that border officials followed standard protocols and ensured the passenger’s rights. However, China has also used this incident to reiterate its long-standing territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, which it calls ‘Zangnan’, and stated it does not recognize the state. India’s government has dismissed these claims, asserting that the status of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India is a self-evident and indisputable fact, unaffected by any external assertions.