PM Modi discusses Ariha Shah case with German Chancellor | Know who is she

Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the case of Baby Ariha Shah, during his bilateral interaction with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. During the discussion, the PM stressed on the need for her safe and early return to India after allegations against her parents were cleared.

Who is Ariha Shah?

Ariha, who is now four years old, has been in German foster care since September 2021, when she was just seven months old. She has been under the custody of German child services after a domestic accident. Since staying in foster care, the little girl has been moved into five different homes.

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Parents cleared of charges in 2022

Her parents were cleared of the charges in February 2022. However, even then, the girl has been put under foster care. The girl’s relatives had earlier called for a dialogue between the governments of India and Germany for her early repatriation.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri spoke on India’s continuing discussions on the matter. He added that the Government of India was approaching the matter with a humanitarian focus and had also extended support to the family.

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"We have been in discussions with the German government, all the German authorities, their embassy here in Delhi, and the German government in Berlin, and all the agencies involved, for quite some time," news agency PTI quoted him as saying.

India approaching with a humanitarian focus: MEA

Misri added that the case was earlier treated as legal matter, but India believed that it should be seen through a humanitarian lens. He added, “This case was, at one point, a legal matter, but we believe that ultimately, it should be approached keeping in mind the humanitarian issues involved." "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,”, he said further.