Will China Guarantee the Safety of Indian Travelers?
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Synopsis
India demands guarantees from China regarding the safety of its citizens traveling through Chinese airports. Following a recent incident of detention involving an Indian national, officials stress the importance of adherence to international travel norms. Will China respond appropriately to ensure the safety of Indian travelers?
Key Takeaways
- India expects safety assurances for its citizens in China.
- Recent detention incident has raised diplomatic tensions.
- Chinese authorities are under scrutiny for violating international travel norms.
- MEA advises caution for Indian travelers in China.
- India reaffirms Arunachal Pradesh's status as an integral part of the nation.
New Delhi, Dec 8 (NationPress) India expressed its expectation that Chinese officials will assure that Indian nationals passing through Chinese airports will not be subjected to selective targeting, arbitrary detention, or harassment.
This robust declaration followed the arbitrary detention of an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai International Airport last month, which New Delhi deemed a significant breach of international norms and bilateral agreements.
“We anticipate that the Chinese authorities will confirm that Indian citizens transiting through their airports will be free from selective targeting, arbitrary detention, or harassment, and that the rules governing international air travel will be honored by the Chinese side,” stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a media briefing in New Delhi on Monday.
“The MEA advises Indian nationals to exercise caution when traveling to China or while in transit through the country,” he added.
Prema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, claimed she was held for 18 hours by Chinese immigration during what was intended to be a brief three-hour layover en route from London to Japan on November 21.
She reported that officials refused to acknowledge her Indian passport, asserting that her birthplace, Arunachal Pradesh, was “part of China”.
In response to this alarming incident, India has consistently raised the issue with China's government.
“Chinese authorities have yet to justify their actions, which contravene multiple conventions regarding international air travel. Their actions also violate their own regulations, which permit visa-free transit for up to 24 hours for nationals of all countries,” the MEA stated on November 25.
New Delhi has reiterated its firm stance that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inseparable part of India.
“This is a fact beyond dispute. No level of denial or misrepresentation by China can change this reality,” a statement from the MEA affirmed.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize the broader implications for diplomatic ties and the treatment of citizens abroad. It is crucial for India to maintain a firm stance while seeking a resolution that prioritizes the safety of its nationals.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What assurances is India seeking from China?
India is seeking assurances that its citizens will not be selectively targeted, arbitrarily detained, or harassed while transiting through Chinese airports.
What incident prompted this demand?
The demand arose following the arbitrary detention of Prema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, at Shanghai International Airport.
What did the MEA state regarding the incident?
The MEA described the detention as a violation of international norms and stated that Chinese authorities have not justified their actions.
How did China respond to the allegations?
There has been no official response from China regarding the allegations of arbitrary detention and harassment of Indian travelers.
What is India's stance on Arunachal Pradesh?
India maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country, and no denial from China can change this fact.
