India raised the issue of Ariha Shah with Germany, 3 year old girl has been ‘snatched’ from her parents

New Delhi: A meeting took place between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday. During this, India raised the case of 3 year old girl Ariha Shah living in Germany. Ariha has been in foster care in Germany for the last 36 months. PM Modi also announced the decision to increase the number of visas for skilled Indian workers in Germany to 90,000 per year. PM Modi said that India stands on the strong pillars of democracy, population, demand and data. Germany is facing a severe shortage of skilled professionals. To fulfill this shortage, Germany is focusing on the talented people of India.

India’s eye on Ariha Shah case

Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishri told a media briefing that in the case of Ariha Shah, the Chancellor has assured PM Modi that he/she is monitoring the issue very closely. Ariha’s parents Bhavesh and Dhara Shah are residents of Mira Bhayandar in Thane district of Maharashtra. Ariha has been in foster care in Germany for more than 36 months after allegations of minor physical abuse.

Foreign Minister had also raised the issue in Germany

Mishri said, ‘We are following this matter very closely… Our embassy in Berlin has taken it up. When the External Affairs Minister was in Germany a few weeks ago, he/she raised this issue very strongly with his/her counterpart.

Who is Ariha Shah?

Ariha Shah is a three-year-old Indian girl who is embroiled in a complex legal case in Germany. Ariha’s parents are Indian citizens and were living in Germany for work. Ariha’s parents reported alleged injuries on her, but German authorities were skeptical and considered it possible abuse. After this, German child protection agencies took Ariha under their protection and placed her in a foster care.

The matter has also become a point of discussion and efforts between the Indian and German governments. The Indian government is very active regarding this matter and is trying for Ariha’s return to India. They argue that the child should be brought up in an Indian cultural environment and it is in her best interest to be with her family.

India is in contact with Germany at every level

he/she said, ‘I can confirm that this was raised in Friday’s meeting also. We have conveyed to the German side at all levels that an Indian child growing up in an environment that is not her own – cultural, religious, linguistic environment – is to some extent unnatural and this situation needs to be addressed.’ The foreign secretary said Scholz assured Modi that he/she was following the issue closely and would continue to pay attention to it. “I am sure both sides will remain in touch on this issue through various channels,” he/she said.

Number of visas for Indians increased

Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business on Friday, PM Modi announced that Germany has decided to increase the number of visas for skilled Indians from 20,000 to 90,000 per year. “I am confident that this will further boost Germany’s economic growth,” he/she said.

Participating in the conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Modi said Germany’s holistic approach and commitment to taking the strategic partnership forward is clearly visible. “This is the right time to join India’s growth story… India is becoming a global trade and manufacturing hub,” Modi said.