Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday highlighted India’s continuing engagement with German authorities on the case of Ariha Shah, an Indian girl child who has been in German foster care for 40 months, stressing that New Delhi is approaching the matter with a humanitarian focus while extending support to the family.
During a media briefing, Misri noted that India has been in sustained communication with German authorities both in India and in Germany. “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,” he said.
He noted that while the case had previously been treated as a legal matter, India believes it should ultimately be viewed through a humanitarian lens. “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,” he said.
Emphasising India’s awareness of the family’s distress, Misri said, “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.”
