S Jaishankar assures action as Indian girl taken from parents in Germany

Photo : PTI

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has assured that the Indian government is working swiftly to facilitate the return of Ariha, a three-and-a-half-year-old girl from Thane district who has been in foster care in Germany for the past 36 months. This follows allegations of minor physical abuse. According to local MP Naresh Mhaske, her parents, currently in Germany, have been granted the ability to visit their daughter twice a month.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively pursuing efforts to expedite Ariha's repatriation. Mhaske reported that the Foreign Minister has detailed these efforts in a letter dated August 16, outlining the government's actions to push for Ariha’s return. Jaishankar's letter mentioned that, thanks to diplomatic interventions, the German Youth Welfare Authorities have chosen not to appeal court orders that grant visitation rights to Ariha’s parents.

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In his letter, Jaishankar emphasized that the long-term well-being of Ariha would be best served if she is raised in her native socio-cultural environment in India. He noted that the MEA and Indian embassy officials in Berlin are making efforts to familiarize Ariha with Indian culture, including Jainism, Indian festivals, and other cultural traditions. This involves sharing resources to help her foster parents incorporate these aspects into her upbringing. Additionally, embassy officials have taken Ariha to Indian temples and are working to arrange lessons in Gujarati or Hindi for her.

The Foreign Minister highlighted that, under court orders, Ariha's parents have visitation rights twice a month, with the possibility of increased visit durations. The German authorities are also providing regular consular access for Indian embassy officials to visit Ariha. Jaishankar reassured Mhaske that the Indian government will continue its efforts to bring the child back to India.

In his communication, Jaishankar underscored the importance of handling this sensitive case with discretion, given its focus on a minor child. He expressed hope that the ongoing diplomatic efforts are appreciated and acknowledged the need for continued sensitivity and consistent action by the Ministry of External Affairs.