In a strong diplomatic retort, India has unequivocally stated that Arunachal Pradesh is an inalienable part of India, following an incident involving an Indian citizen at a Shanghai airport. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson addressed the matter, confirming that a woman from Arunachal Pradesh, traveling from London to Japan, was detained for 18 hours at Shanghai International Airport.
Reports indicate that Chinese immigration officials questioned her about her origin, allegedly stating that her Indian passport was invalid and that Arunachal Pradesh is not part of India. The woman, a resident of the UK, was reportedly told to apply for a Chinese passport. India’s MEA condemned these actions, emphasizing that Arunachal Pradesh is a fundamental and integral component of India, a fact that is self-evident and beyond dispute. India has filed formal protests with China, highlighting the violation of international transit protocols.
While Indian consular officials in Shanghai provided immediate assistance to the traveler, ensuring her food and comfort, China’s Foreign Ministry has denied any wrongdoing. Beijing maintains that its border officials adhered to routine procedures and respected the passenger’s rights. This exchange underscores China’s persistent territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, which it calls ‘Zangnan’. India’s government remains steadfast, asserting that such claims do not alter the reality of India’s sovereignty.