The Ministry of External Affairs issued a sharp statement on Wednesday amid brewing controversy over the detention of an Indian citizen at Shanghai airport. Chinese authorities had deemed the passport of Arunachal Pradesh resident Prema Wangjom Thongdok “invalid” earlier this week — turning her short transit into an 18-hour ordeal. Beijing had later denied the allegations and insisted that immigration officials were following protocol. It also claimed that Arunachal Pradesh was its own territory — triggering a vehement rebuttal from India.
‘No amount of denial will change reality’
“Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, and this is a fact that is self-evident. No amount of denial by the Chinese side is going to change this indisputable reality. We did take up this matter. We did a strong démarche with the Chinese side, both in Beijing and Delhi, when the incident took place,” reminded MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
He also noted that continued ‘peace and tranquility’ in the border regions were a prerequisite for the continued and overall development of India-China bilateral relations. Ties between the two countries have improved in recent months — with India resuming flights and removing visa restrictions for incoming tourists.
“Both sides have worked closely to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border regions since October 2024. It is on this basis that progress with focus on people-centric engagements, progress has been made. Arbitrary actions by China involving an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh are most unhelpful towards efforts being made by both sides to build mutual trust and understanding and gradually move towards normalisation of bilateral relations,” the MEA added.
MEA counters Pakistan
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a sharp rebuttal on Wednesday following criticism from Pakistan over the Ayodhya Ram Mandir flag hoisting ceremony. The neighbouring country had voiced “deep concern” after Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the ceremony on Tuesday — claiming that Muslims now faced growing intolerance and “marginalisation” in India.
“We have seen the reported remarks and reject them with the contempt they deserve. As a country with a deeply stained record of bigotry, repression, and systemic mistreatment of its minorities, Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others. Rather than delivering hypocritical homilies, Pakistan would do better to turn its gaze inwards and focus on its own abysmal human rights record,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.