Why Baby Ariha Shah Got Separated From Her Parents in Germany

New Delhi: The repatriation of minor girl Ariha Shah from Germany became a key focus during discussions between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the former’s visit to New Delhi. 

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the case of Ariha Shah, a three-year-old Indian girl who has been in foster care in Germany, was raised during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. 

Why Baby Ariha Was Separated From Her Parents

Ariha Shah was accidentally injured by her grandmother in September 2021, which led German authorities to place her in their custody. Shah was an infant when she was put in foster care in Germany, according to report published by news agency ANI. 

Since then, baby Ariha has been put under foster care. 

Family Continues to Urge Centre for Baby's Repatriation from Germany

Baby Ariha's family urged the authorities to look into their matter, the Indian Government has consistently raised the issue with the German authorities.

Her parents, Bhavesh and Dhara Shah, are residents of Mira Bhayander in Maharashtra 's Thane district.

Hopeful about a solution in the matter, Dhara Shah, the mother of baby girl Ariha Shah said that she trusts the Government of India adding that if there will be a Prime Minister-level intervention in the case then her daughter can return to India.

"Our child has been separated from us for the past 20 months. I trust the Indian government and I request that once there is PM-level intervention in the case then my daughter will return soon," Dhara Shah was quoted as saying by news agency ANI in June 2023. 

At a media briefing, the foreign secretary also said the chancellor has assured the prime minster that he is "very closely following" the issue.

"The case has been followed very, very closely by us.... Our embassy in Berlin has taken it up. When the external affairs minister was in Germany a few weeks ago, he had raised it very strongly with his counterpart," Misri said.

Germany says MEA Kept In Loop Over Ariha’s Repatriation Matter

German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann had said on Wednesday that German authorities are in "very close contact" with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the relevant youth authorities in connection with the case of Ariha Shah.

Ackermann said this in response to a query during a press interaction held at his residence here on what Germany was willing to do to bring the girl back and whether her issue will be raised at the "highest level".

Earlier in December 2023, Ministry of External Affairs  said that consular access had been granted to meet Ariha, during which cultural items were shared to enhance her cultural immersion and safeguard her rights.

Her parents also appealed to several German courts regarding the matter. One court ruled that Ariha will remain in foster care till she turns 18.