According to police, Caroleine Claudon (54) was punched by Saiful Baokochi (25) near New Excelsior theatre in south Mumbai this evening.
Baokochi, who hails from West Bengal, was caught by the passers-by after the woman raised alarm.
The victim was admitted to St George hospital with a bleeding nose.
Police said the accused claimed during the questioning that he hit her as "he did not like foreigners".