The Union minister’s planned intervention follows Amit Shah’s reported assurance that efforts are under way to bring the Gujarat-origin child home after more than five years in German foster care
The case of Ariha Shah, an Indian child living in foster care in Germany since 2021, is set to receive renewed diplomatic attention, with Union Minister Piyush Goyal expected to raise the issue during his visit to Germany on October 22 and 23.
The development follows a reported assurance by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who recently discussed Ariha’s case with Jain spiritual leaders in Ahmedabad and said efforts were being made to secure her return to India.
According to Ahmedabad Mirror, members of the campaign seeking Ariha’s repatriation said Goyal would take up the matter during his German visit. The proposed intervention comes amid continuing efforts by her parents and Indian authorities to resolve the prolonged custody dispute.
Ariha was taken into the custody of German child welfare authorities in September 2021, when she was seven months old, following concerns over injuries she had sustained. Her parents, Dhara and Bhavesh Shah, have since pursued legal and diplomatic avenues to bring her back to India.
The case has drawn sustained attention from the Indian Jain community, which has supported the family’s campaign and called for the child’s return, citing concerns about her cultural, linguistic and religious upbringing
During his recent visit to Ahmedabad, Amit Shah reportedly discussed the matter with Jain seer Gachhadhipati Pujya Udayprabh Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb. Community representatives said the Home Minister had assured them that he was monitoring the case.
India has also raised the issue through diplomatic channels. In August, the Ministry of External Affairs said the Indian Embassy in Germany remained in contact with German authorities and was seeking to ensure that Ariha’s cultural needs were addressed while she remained in foster care.
Despite repeated representations, the child’s return has not yet been secured. Goyal’s proposed discussions are expected to provide another opportunity for India to press for a resolution, although no outcome has been announced.
