As German Chancellor Merz lands in Gujarat, activists demand that Modi ask for Ariha’s return

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet on January 13, 2026, to discuss the case of five-year-old Ariha Shah, who was taken into German foster care four years ago. Activists are urging Modi to raise the issue with Merz, as India demands her repatriation and cultural immersion in India. The German government has not agreed to this request despite pleas from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Mr. Jaishankar has repeatedly raised the case with German counterparts, including a meeting with Johann Wadephul in September 2025. The Save Ariha Team, representing the Shah family, argues that depriving Ariha of her Indian culture violates the UNCRC and calls for immediate repatriation to India.