Incident misrepresented as bias, says government
According to the official statement, the passenger, Ms. Shambhavi Adhikari, a citizen of Nepal, was travelling from Kathmandu to Berlin with a layover at Delhi Airport. Reports had earlier suggested that she was denied boarding on discriminatory grounds. However, authorities have clarified that these reports are entirely unfounded.
Airline decision based on visa validity
The statement explained that Ms. Adhikari had arrived from Kathmandu via Air India and was transiting through Delhi. She was stopped from boarding her connecting Qatar Airways flight to Berlin not by Indian immigration officials but by the airline itself. The airline reportedly took the decision after verifying her visa validity for the destination country, which did not meet travel requirements at that time.
In such cases, airlines are responsible for ensuring compliance with the entry and visa regulations of the destination country. The passenger was flown back to Kathmandu as per standard airline protocols. She later rescheduled her travel and reached Berlin through an alternative route.
No involvement of Indian immigration
The Ministry further emphasized that international transit passengers are not required to approach Indian immigration authorities while transiting through India. “This is a matter strictly between the airline and the passenger,” the statement said, reaffirming that Indian officials had no role in preventing Ms. Adhikari’s onward journey.
India reaffirms ties with Nepal
Rejecting the notion of any bias or discrimination, the Government of India reiterated that it deeply values its friendly and historic relations with Nepal. It assured that Indian authorities maintain equal respect and cooperation for citizens of Nepal, consistent with the longstanding open-border policy and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
Background: Standard airline protocol
Airlines worldwide have the right to deny boarding if a passenger’s travel documents, including visa validity, do not satisfy the destination country’s entry conditions. This ensures the passenger is not stranded or deported upon arrival. Immigration experts note that this process is guided by international aviation and immigration norms, not host-country discretion during transit.
India’s position on equal treatment
Officials reaffirmed that India remains committed to fair treatment for all travellers, irrespective of nationality. The clarification aims to correct misleading narratives and reinforce India’s transparent immigration procedures that align with international civil aviation standards.
