India Urges Germany to Return Custody of Baby Ariha

Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Scholz discuss the prolonged foster care of an Indian child in Germany, emphasizing cultural concerns.

Ariha Shah, a three-year-old Indian girl, has been in German foster care for over three years following allegations of abuse.
German authorities initially suspected abuse but later dropped assault charges, although her parents were still held accountable for negligence.
India has repeatedly raised the issue with Germany, emphasizing the importance of Ariha growing up in her cultural, religious, and linguistic environment.
During a bilateral meeting, Chancellor Scholz assured Prime Minister Modi that he is closely monitoring the case.
The custody dispute has become a point of tension in India-Germany relations, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the matter.