Story perspectives

Indian Woman Detained in China Over Passport Dispute

11/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On November 21, 2025, Prema Thongdok, an Arunachal Pradesh native, was detained 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong airport after officials deemed her passport invalid due to birthplace.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed Arunachal Pradesh is part of India and rejected China's claims.
Thongdok alleged mistreatment, including mockery and a flight blocked to Tokyo, and said Indian diplomats helped her, but she rerouted travel to India via Thailand.

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Story summary

On November 21, 2025, Prema Thongdok, an Arunachal Pradesh native, was detained 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong airport after officials deemed her passport invalid due to birthplace.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed Arunachal Pradesh is part of India and rejected China's claims.
Thongdok alleged mistreatment, including mockery and a flight blocked to Tokyo, and said Indian diplomats helped her, but she rerouted travel to India via Thailand.