India is closely following the case of Ariha Shah, a three-and-a-half-year-old Indian girl in German foster care. Reiterating India's stance for the toddler's repatriation, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday emphasised that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and its embassy in Berlin are regularly making diplomatic efforts in the matter.
Ariha, who has been under German state custody since September 2021, was separated from her parents, Dhara and Bhavesh Shah, following allegations of abuse. Although the charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence, the Berlin court ruled that the child's best interests would be served under foster care, citing the risk of harm. This ruling dismissed the parents' claim that Ariha’s injuries were accidental.
Vikram Misri on Friday noted that during German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's recent visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue, underscoring India's concerns over Ariha’s separation from her cultural, religious, and linguistic roots.
“We have impressed upon the German side that an Indian child growing up in an environment which is not her religious, cultural, and linguistic environment is not natural," Misri said.
He added, “The Chancellor assured the PM that he was closely following this issue. I am sure the two sides will remain in touch through ongoing multiple channels."
Ariha's parents, who have returned to India, remain hopeful for her return. In a statement last year, they expressed confidence in the Indian government's support, stating their faith in Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to bring Ariha back home.
The Jain community in India, advocating under the 'SAVE ARIHA' campaign, has rallied for her repatriation, describing her prolonged stay in foster care as an infringement on her cultural rights.
The German Embassy in New Delhi has acknowledged the case, with Ambassador Philipp Ackermann stating Germany’s commitment to Ariha’s well-being. Ackermann indicated that German authorities remain in close contact with the Indian government and the foster family has been asked to consider Ariha's cultural background.
India has consistently called for Ariha’s return, stressing that prolonged delays compromise her well-being and cultural rights.
Source: ANI