Archive · 7 Jan 2026
CPI(M) MP urges Jaishankar to discuss baby Ariha's repatriation with German chancellor
A baby named Ariha Shah, who is an Indian citizen, has been in foster care in Germany for over four and a half years.
A member of the Indian parliament, John Brittas, has written a letter to the Indian foreign minister, S Jaishankar, asking him to talk about this issue with the German chancellor during his visit to India.
The baby was taken into custody by German authorities when she was just seven months old due to allegations of abuse.
However, a German hospital and a court-appointed psychologist have found no evidence of abuse and have recommended that the baby be returned to her parents.
The baby's family is concerned because she is being fed a non-vegetarian diet, which goes against their Jain beliefs.
The family is also worried because the baby has been moved between different foster homes five times, and her parents can only visit her every two months.
The Indian government is being asked to help bring the baby back to India and ensure her well-being.
CPI(M) MP John Brittas urges External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to intervene in baby Ariha Shah's repatriation case.
Ariha Shah, an Indian citizen, has been in German foster care for over four and a half years.
German authorities took custody of Ariha when she was seven months old due to abuse allegations, but no evidence was found.
A German hospital and a court-appointed psychologist have recommended restoring parental custody.
The baby's family is concerned about her being fed a non-vegetarian diet and the instability of her foster care arrangements.
- Who
- CPI(M) MP John Brittas and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
- What
- Urging for the repatriation of baby Ariha Shah from German foster care
- When
- Ahead of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit on January 12-13
- Where
- India and Germany
- Why
- To secure the repatriation of Ariha Shah and address concerns over her custody and well-being
- Child's Name
- Ariha Shah
- Age
- Nearly 5 years old
- Nationality
- Indian
- Custody Duration
- Over 4.5 years
- German Chancellor's Visit
- January 12-13
- MP's Name
- John Brittas
- Minister's Name
- S Jaishankar
- Religion
- Jain