ARIHA SHAH CASE
![India is a democracy in its own right, says German envoy Philipp Ackermann](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-109633224,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/news/india/india-is-a-democracy-in-its-own-right-says-german-envoy-philipp-ackermann.jpg)
India is a democracy in its own right, says German envoy Philipp Ackermann
"I think it would be futile to discuss whether India is like a western or German democracy because it's simply not because the American democracy is different from Germany. You have to develop a democracy in your own environment that reflects the people and how they work," says German ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann
!['Allow Ariha to celebrate Indian Independence day in Germany': Family stage protest](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-102640174,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/nri/latest-updates/allow-ariha-to-celebrate-indian-independence-day-in-germany-family-stage-protest.jpg)
'Allow Ariha to celebrate Indian Independence day in Germany': Family stage protest
The mother of Ariha Shah, an Indian baby in German foster care, held a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding that German authorities allow Ariha to celebrate Independence Day with the Indian community in Germany to protect her cultural rights. Earlier this week, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned the German Ambassador regarding the case of Ariha Shah, who has been placed in foster care over allegations of parental abuse.
![India summons German envoy seeking return of baby Ariha](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-102393906,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/news/india/india-summons-german-envoy-seeking-return-of-baby-ariha.jpg)
India summons German envoy seeking return of baby Ariha
India has asked for the repatriation of an Indian baby girl, who has been in the custody of the German Youth Welfare Office for more than 20 months. The baby was taken into custody after she suffered an accidental injury in September 2019. India has argued that it is important for her to be in her cultural, linguistic, and social environment.
![Ariha Shah's case: MEA summons German Ambassador](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-102400081,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/nri/latest-updates/ariha-shahs-case-mea-summons-german-ambassador.jpg)
Ariha Shah's case: MEA summons German Ambassador
The child, Ariha Shah, was accidentally hurt by her grandmother in September 2021 following which the German authorities took the baby away. She is currently under German foster care. Since Baby Ariha's family urged the authorities to see into their matter, the Indian Government has consistently raised the issue with the German authorities.
![Indian diaspora groups in Germany stage protest for baby Ariha Shah](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-101832042,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/nri/latest-updates/indian-diaspora-groups-in-germany-stage-protest-for-baby-ariha-shah.jpg)
Indian diaspora groups in Germany stage protest for baby Ariha Shah
The parents have been fighting for their daughter since September 2021, when the German authorities intervened amid allegations of harassment.
![Baby Ariha's case is sensitive, we are in touch with German authorities to find a way: FS Kwatra](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-98276026,width-100,height-75,resizemode-4/news/india/baby-arihas-case-is-sensitive-we-are-in-touch-with-german-authorities-to-find-a-way-fs-kwatra.jpg)
Baby Ariha's case is sensitive, we are in touch with German authorities to find a way: FS Kwatra
Earlier in December 2022, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said during a press conference with German Foreign Minister Anna Baerbock on the custody case, "There is a case related to a child called Ariha Shah. We've concerns that she should be in her linguistic, religious, cultural and social environment. This is her right." The child, Ariha Shah was accidentally hurt by her grandmother in September last year following which the German authorities took the baby away.