India has lodged a formal protest with China following the detention of an Indian citizen at Shanghai Airport, describing the incident as ‘most unhelpful’ in fostering bilateral relations. The detained individual, Prema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based woman holding an Indian passport, was stopped by Chinese authorities during a layover on November 21. She was informed that her Indian passport was invalid due to her birth in Arunachal Pradesh, a region China claims as part of its territory under the name Zangnan. Thongdok was reportedly held for 18 hours and prevented from boarding her connecting flight to Japan. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that such arbitrary actions violate international air travel conventions and hinder efforts to rebuild trust between the two nations. China defended its actions, stating they were conducted in compliance with its laws and regulations. The incident occurs amid cautious efforts by India and China to strengthen ties after years of strained relations, exacerbated by a 2020 border clash in the Himalayas that resulted in significant casualties. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China in August marked a significant step toward normalization, with both leaders affirming their commitment to partnership over rivalry.