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An Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, Prema Wangjom Thongdok, was reportedly detained for nearly 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong Airport on November 21, 2025, while travelling from London to Japan. It was reported that Chinese officials allegedly invalidated her passport, claiming Arunachal Pradesh as “Chinese territory,” forcing her to take a connecting flight from Bangkok instead.
Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal was quoted on the ministry's website to have said that “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India… The issue of the detention has been taken up strongly with the Chinese side.”
According to reports, India lodged a strong protest with China over the incident. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson countered, calling Arunachal “China’s territory” and stating that border checks were lawful, impartial, and non-abusive. Beijing added that the airline provided resting facilities and meals to the passenger during her transit. In return, New Delhi emphasised that Arunachal residents are entitled to Indian passports and as the state has been, is, and will always be a part of India, further criticising the incident as an unnecessary obstruction amid ongoing efforts to restore bilateral normalcy.
This is neither an isolated case nor limited to international boundaries. Arshia Gulrays Shaikh, Senior Public Relations Executive at Communicate India, recounted a similarly unpleasant incident in Pondicherry involving a friend from the Northeast. “The boating staff refused to give her Indian rates and asked for her passport. She didn’t have it, and despite showing her Aadhaar and PAN card, she had to fight to prove her Indian identity. We all intervened and finally got her the ticket at the correct price,” she related.
Another individual, who wished to remain anonymous, shared how his Jammu & Kashmir origin led to repeated scrutiny at three international airports—Moscow, Tel Aviv, and Tashkent. “Each experience was very different,” he said. In Moscow, he and his father were held separately from their tour group for hours with no explanation only to be released eventually under ambiguous circumstances. In Tel Aviv, a rapid 20-minute questioning focused on prior travels and visas, creating confusion with missed connections. Tashkent was the most stressful, with hours spent between immigration and security over flight delays and visa technicalities, resolved only with airline staff intervention. “The key,” he added, “is to stay calm, honest, and cooperative.”
These incidents of undue scrutiny, both abroad and within India, highlight why every traveller should be aware of their rights.
Being detained by immigration authorities while travelling through an international airport can be an intimidating and stressful experience. Whether it’s due to documentation issues, visa discrepancies, or geopolitical sensitivities, knowing how to handle the situation calmly and effectively can make a significant difference. Here’s a detailed guide to help travellers protect their rights and navigate the ordeal:
Panic can escalate a situation quickly. The first and most crucial step is to remain calm and composed. Take a few deep breaths, and avoid raising your voice or displaying anger, as this may worsen your detention. Cooperate with officials respectfully, while maintaining your right to question their actions and procedures.
You have the right to know why you are being detained. Politely request that the authorities provide a clear explanation, preferably in writing. Understanding the specific reason—be it a visa issue, passport discrepancy, or documentation verification, will help you respond appropriately and avoid misunderstandings.
Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), foreign nationals detained abroad have the right to contact their embassy or consulate. Request access immediately and keep insisting if initially denied. Consular officials can:
Verify your identity with local authorities.
Provide guidance on local laws and procedures.
Assist in securing legal counsel.
Ensure that you are treated fairly and humanel
If the situation escalates or authorities pressure you to sign documents, request access to a lawyer. Legal counsel can help you understand your rights, prevent involuntary admissions of guilt, and represent your interests in interactions with immigration authorities. Avoid signing any documents you do not fully understand, especially if they are in a foreign language.
Keep all travel documents—including your passport, visa, tickets, and other forms of identification—secure and accessible. If authorities request copies, provide genuine documents, but avoid giving false or altered information, which can worsen your legal position. Having digital copies on your phone or cloud storage can also be useful in emergencies.
Even in countries with strict immigration rules, certain rights are generally recognised under international law:
Right to Be Informed: Authorities must clearly explain the reason for your detention.
Right to Consular Access: You can contact your country’s embassy or consulate.
Right to Legal Representation: In many jurisdictions, detainees can access lawyers.
Right Against Arbitrary Detention: International human rights conventions prohibit unlawful or indefinite detention.
Right to Humane Treatment: You are entitled to food, water, and basic facilities.
Right to an Interpreter: You can request language assistance if needed.
Right to Judicial Review: Many countries allow detainees to challenge their detention in court.
If possible, note the names of officials, times of interaction, and any instructions you receive. This record can help your embassy or lawyer understand your case and support diplomatic or legal interventions if necessary.
Use your phone or other means to inform family or trusted contacts of your situation, provided it is safe to do so. In countries with restricted internet or social media access, plan ahead by saving embassy contact numbers offline.
Prevention is always better than crisis management. Travellers can take several precautionary measures:
Ensure all travel documents are valid and up-to-date.
Check visa requirements for transit countries, including visa-free transit rules.
Carry multiple forms of identification.
Understand local immigration laws and restrictions.
Avoid working, studying, or engaging in activities not permitted under your visa.
Several international conventions protect travellers from arbitrary detention, including:
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): Prohibits arbitrary detention.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966): Guarantees access to legal remedies.
Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963): Ensures the right to consular assistance.
Convention Against Torture (1984): Protects detainees from inhumane treatment.
Diplomatic intervention by your home country can often help secure release or negotiate safe passage, particularly in situations involving politically sensitive issues.
Being detained abroad is rarely a criminal matter—it is usually an administrative process. However, the stress, uncertainty, and potential financial and legal consequences make it critical to handle the situation strategically. The key principles are: remain calm, know your rights, contact your embassy, seek legal help, and maintain documentation. By following these steps, travellers can navigate international transit challenges safely and minimise disruption to their journey.
1. What should I do if I’m detained during an international transit?
Stay calm, cooperate respectfully, ask the reason for detention, and contact your embassy or consulate immediately.
2. Do I have the right to speak to my embassy while detained?
Yes. Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), foreign nationals can request consular assistance.
3. Can authorities hold me indefinitely without explanation?
No. International human rights conventions protect against arbitrary or unlawful detention and require authorities to inform you of the reason.
4. Should I provide all my travel documents during detention?
Yes, provide genuine documents, but avoid signing anything you don’t understand. Keep digital copies handy for emergencies.
5. How can I avoid detention or undue scrutiny abroad?
Ensure valid travel documents, check visa requirements, carry multiple IDs, understand local laws, and follow immigration rules carefully.
