Kerala CPI(M) MP John Brittas has written to Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, requesting urgent diplomatic intervention during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s upcoming visit to facilitate the repatriation of Baby Ariha Shah. Ariha, an Indian citizen, has been in foster care in Germany for over four and a half years despite all criminal allegations against her parents being cleared.

Brittas noted that the five-year-old remains under German Child Services’ custody even after the hospital involved found no evidence of abuse and a court-appointed psychologist recommended returning her to her parents. Despite this, German authorities continue to pursue termination of parental rights and adoption within Germany.

Brittas stressed that Ariha’s rights to family life, cultural identity, language, and religion, as guaranteed under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, are being violated. He expressed concern that she is being denied contact with her extended family in India and prevented from participating in Indian cultural practices.

Highlighting the child’s emotional vulnerability, Brittas pointed out that Ariha has been shifted between foster placements five times, depriving her of a stable caregiving environment. Currently, she only receives bi-monthly parental visits, which are now uncertain due to visa restrictions. Several Members of Parliament have also raised the issue, reflecting widespread national concern over its humanitarian aspects. Brittas emphasized that Chancellor Merz’s visit on 12–13 January offers a crucial diplomatic opportunity to address the matter at the highest political level and urged decisive action to ensure a humane and lawful resolution in the best interests of the child.