India has criticized China for its “arbitrary actions,” exemplified by the recent detention of an Indian national from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai airport. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that such behavior actively undermines efforts to cultivate mutual trust and understanding, essential for improving bilateral relations. The MEA underscored that a peaceful and tranquil border is fundamental for the sustained progress of India-China engagement.
Reaffirming India’s territorial integrity, the MEA spokesperson declared Arunachal Pradesh an “integral and inalienable” part of India, a fact China’s denials cannot alter. Pema Wang Thongdok, the Indian traveler, reported being detained for 18 hours on November 21. Chinese immigration authorities allegedly refused to accept her Indian passport due to her birthplace being in Arunachal Pradesh.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously defended their actions, deeming them consistent with regulations, and once again asserted their claims over Arunachal Pradesh. India’s MEA strongly rejected this Chinese response. “Arbitrary actions by China… are most unhelpful towards efforts being made by both sides to build mutual trust and understanding, and gradually move towards normalisation of bilateral relations,” the spokesperson commented.
The spokesperson reiterated India’s firm and unchanged position: Arunachal Pradesh is an indisputable part of India. Furthermore, he stressed that “maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border regions is a prerequisite for the continued and overall development of India-China bilateral relations.” He acknowledged that progress, particularly in citizen-focused areas, has been built upon this crucial foundation of border stability.
Relations between the two Asian giants have been tense since the May 2020 border clash in Ladakh. While both countries have recently initiated measures to de-escalate tensions and normalize ties, including resuming direct flights and other people-oriented programs, this incident demonstrates the lingering complexities and differing territorial perceptions that continue to impact the relationship’s trajectory.