Table of Contents
- Who Is Anant Mittal?
- Detained for 15 Hours at Guangzhou Airport
- ‘Hamari Koi Aukaat Nahi’: Inside the Interrogation
- Arunachal Remark and China Sensitivities
- Official Sources and the Bigger Context
- What This Means for Indian Travellers and Vloggers
Who Is Anant Mittal?
Anant Mittal, a popular Indian travel vlogger known online as On Road Indian vlogger detained in China, has alleged that he was detained in China for nearly 15 hours after comments he made online about Arunachal Pradesh.
Mittal has built a large following by documenting his travels across countries, focusing on everyday life, culture, and personal experiences. While his content occasionally touches on social issues, he has maintained that he does not align with any political ideology.
In December, Mittal travelled to China to meet a friend, unaware that his past online remarks would soon place him under intense scrutiny.
Detained for 15 Hours at Guangzhou Airport
The incident reportedly occurred on December 15 at Guangzhou airport. According to Mittal, his immigration process initially appeared routine until an official paused before stamping his passport.
He was soon escorted to a detention area and asked to wait. There, he noticed other foreign nationals, including a Korean citizen and several Bangladeshi nationals, which heightened his anxiety.
After nearly two hours without any explanation, Mittal realised something was wrong. He was later questioned by two officers who, he said, initially appeared friendly but soon began searching his belongings.
His camcorders and electronic gadgets were confiscated, and he was subjected to prolonged questioning.
‘Hamari Koi Aukaat Nahi’: Inside the Interrogation
In a YouTube video titled Indian Tourist Detained In China for 15 Hours, Mittal described the experience as emotionally draining.
Repeatedly using the phrase “Hamari koi aukaat nahi,” he said the detention made him feel powerless and isolated.
Mittal claimed that during the entire period, he was not allowed to contact the Indian Embassy and was denied food for over 29 hours, eventually eating only after reaching the airport lounge.
“I realised where it all went wrong. There is a land dispute between India and China, and I don’t have the right to speak on controversial topics,” he said, admitting that raising the issue may have been a mistake.

Arunachal Remark and China Sensitivities
Mittal believes his detention was linked to a video in which he spoke about Arunachal Pradesh, a region China claims as part of its territory.
He said he made the comment after learning about an Arunachal Pradesh resident being detained in China earlier, which emotionally affected him due to his personal connection with India’s Northeast.
Mittal studied in the Northeast for three years and said the region holds deep emotional significance for him Indian vlogger detained in China.
“I only took a stand on a minor issue. I will never speak on any controversial issue again,” he said in his video.
Official Sources and the Bigger Context
However, sources told India Today TV that the Arunachal remark may not have been the sole reason for the scrutiny.
According to officials, Mittal’s earlier social media posts from China — including videos showing beggars and comments perceived as critical — may have contributed to the extended questioning.
The incident comes just weeks after another Indian national from Arunachal Pradesh, identified as Prema, alleged she was detained and verbally abused at Shanghai airport during a transit stop.
She claimed Chinese officials told her that Arunachal Pradesh is part of China and declared her Indian passport invalid — an allegation that sparked diplomatic concern.
What This Means for Indian Travellers and Vloggers
Mittal said he was ultimately allowed to leave China on his scheduled flight and thanked the authorities for not deporting him.

He said he is now back in India and safe, and plans to continue travelling, with Russia being his next destination.
His experience has prompted warnings among Indian vloggers and travellers about being cautious with online content, especially when travelling to countries with strict political sensitivities.
The episode has also renewed debate on freedom of expression, digital footprints, and the risks faced by content creators abroad.
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By The Morning News Informer| Updated December 24, 2025

