India has escalated its diplomatic efforts to the highest political levels to resolve the case of Ariha Shah, a young Indian child who has been in German foster care for more than 40 months. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated on Monday that New Delhi is emphasizing a humanitarian lens to address this prolonged separation.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement Underway
Addressing the media, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri detailed the continuous and high-level engagement with German authorities. He confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the German government, its embassy in Delhi, and relevant agencies in Berlin. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself raised the issue with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, underscoring the priority India places on the matter.
"We have been in discussions with the German government, all German authorities, their embassy here in Delhi, and the German government in Berlin, and all the agencies involved, for quite some time," Misri said. He assured that the Indian government would "stay with the family at every step" and continue to follow up persistently.
Shift from Legal to Humanitarian Focus
Misri highlighted a crucial shift in India's approach to the case. While acknowledging it began as a legal matter, he stressed that India now believes it must be centered on humanitarian concerns. "We understand the family's distress and difficulties. We are fully aware of the situation, and we are trying our best to help them in every way possible," the Foreign Secretary stated, expressing empathy for the parents' ordeal.
The case dates back to September 2021, when seven-month-old Ariha was placed in foster care following an accidental injury caused by her grandmother. Despite police cases against the parents being closed in February 2022, she has not been returned to her family and has reportedly been moved across five different foster homes.
Ensuring Cultural Roots and Future Steps
A key part of India's efforts involves safeguarding Ariha's connection to her Indian heritage while she remains in Germany. Misri said steps are being explored to ensure she is raised in an Indian environment, interacts with the Indian community, participates in festivals, and learns Hindi.
The renewed diplomatic push coincides with the visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to India on January 12-13, which marks 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. The issue was also raised during the German foreign minister's recent visit. The child's family and the 'Save Ariha Team' have made fresh appeals, urging dialogue to preserve the girl's rights and secure her repatriation to India.
