An incident at Shanghai Airport has sparked diplomatic concerns after an Indian woman was reportedly harassed and temporarily detained by Chinese authorities. The woman, who was travelling for professional reasons, faced aggressive questioning, intrusive checks and alleged mistreatment during the immigration process. According to initial accounts, she was held for several hours without a clear explanation, causing distress and raising questions about the conduct of airport officials.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu strongly condemned the incident, describing China’s behaviour as “unacceptable, disrespectful and deeply concerning.” Khandu expressed anger over the treatment meted out to an Indian citizen and urged the central government to raise the issue through appropriate diplomatic channels. He stressed that the safety and dignity of Indians abroad must remain a top priority and that China must be held accountable for actions that violate international travel norms.
The incident has triggered public outrage on social media, with users demanding stricter responses from New Delhi. Many highlighted that such episodes reflect a pattern of China’s unfriendly posture toward India, especially during times of heightened geopolitical sensitivities. Questions are also being raised regarding the protocols followed by Chinese immigration officials and whether racial or nationality-based discrimination played a role in the incident.
Meanwhile, Indian authorities are working to verify the sequence of events and gather complete information from the traveller. Officials stated that appropriate steps will be taken once all details are confirmed. Diplomatic experts believe that the matter could escalate if China fails to provide a satisfactory explanation or corrective measures.
This incident has reignited debates about the safety of Indian travellers in China and the broader tensions that continue to influence bilateral relations. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and preventing such harassment from occurring again.
