India Seeks Assurances from China on Treatment of Nationals

On December 8, 2025, India formally requested assurances from China that Indian nationals transiting through Chinese airports will not face selective targeting, arbitrary detention, or harassment. This request follows the detention of Prema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian citizen, at Shanghai airport on November 21, 2025. Thongdok, who holds a UK passport, was reportedly informed that her passport was invalid due to her birthplace in Arunachal Pradesh, a region claimed by China as part of southern Tibet. She was subsequently prevented from boarding her flight to Japan and held for 18 hours.

The Indian government lodged a strong protest with Beijing regarding Thongdok's detention, asserting that such incidents undermine ongoing efforts to improve bilateral relations. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the need for Chinese authorities to respect international air travel regulations and ensure the safety of Indian citizens. He also advised Indian nationals to exercise caution when traveling to or through China.

India and China have been cautiously working to improve their relationship after years of tension, particularly following a deadly clash in the Himalayan region in 2020 that resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers. The two nations share a 3,800 km (2,400-mile) disputed border, which has been a longstanding source of conflict. High-level diplomatic engagements, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China in August 2025—the first in seven years—have aimed to foster partnership over rivalry.

In response to the incident, the Indian government has called for clear assurances from China regarding the treatment of its nationals. Jaiswal stated, "We expect the Chinese authorities to provide assurances that Indian citizens transiting through Chinese airports will not be selectively targeted, arbitrarily detained, or harassed." Meanwhile, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has not commented on the specific incident but previously indicated that airport checks are conducted in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Critics of China's handling of the situation argue that the arbitrary detention of Indian nationals reflects broader issues of human rights and diplomatic relations between the two countries. The incident has raised alarms among Indian citizens regarding their safety while traveling through China, potentially impacting travel and trade relations.

As India awaits a response from China, the situation highlights the fragility of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Continued dialogue and assurances will be crucial in maintaining the cautious rapprochement that has characterized their interactions in recent months.