Cover Note [6th November 2025]

(kindly forward the below correspondence to External Affairs Minister, India)

Dear Sir / Madam opening this request

We respectfully request that the below letter be kindly forwarded to the Hon. Minister of External Affairs India, Dr. S Jaishankar.

This correspondence is from supporters trying to prevent International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA). This occurs when a child is taken from, or wrongfully retained outside their country of habitual residence / country of birth / country of citizenship — most often by one parent — unilaterally, and without the consent of the other parent.

We seek a brief virtual meeting with the Hon. Minister to share firsthand experiences and to discuss constructive approaches to consider in addressing this growing concern.

Our appeal focuses on protecting children’s rights, preserving family bonds, and upholding India’s long-standing cultural and humanitarian values. We would be deeply grateful if this request could be brought to the attention of the Minister’s office for possible inclusion in his schedule.

A short 5 minute speech based on a personal experience regarding this issue has been published on YouTube.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are multiple left behind parent experiences with their children specifically abducted to India. Some of these have been covered by the media agencies. 

• Global News (Published 2025)
  • Father wanted for abduction after taking 3-year-old son to India, and not returning
• Times of India (Published 2024)
  • NRI (Non Resident Indian) who fled with 5 y/o daughter on day of custody handover traced

So, we urge you to consider our request and thank you sincerely for your time, understanding, and assistance in facilitating this important dialogue.

With kind regards and respect,

Supporters for the Prevention of International Parental Child Abduction

(PS: below are a few web-links for some international and national Reports on International Parental Child Abduction. Some of these outline how several countries in the world are affected by / involved in IPCA)

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From Supporters wishing to prevent and curb International Parental Child Abduction

Subject: Request for Meeting to Discuss the Prevention of International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA)

Respected Hon. Minister Dr. S Jaishankar,
External Affairs Ministry Office, 
Government of India

We extend our warm greetings and best wishes.

We are a group of not-for-profit organizations, left-behind parents, and well-wishers advocating for the prevention of International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA).

IPCA occurs when a child is taken from, or wrongfully retained outside their country of habitual residence —most often by one parent—without the consent of the other. This act separates not only the child from the left-behind parent, but also from grandparents, siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts, and an entire side of the family and community.

The habitual residence is often the country in which these children were born, or in which they gained a citizenship or acquired a permanent resident status. These children are uprooted from their stable environments and support systems. Their right to continuity of care, culture, and family life—core principles under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child—is jeopardized. Such abductions violate a child’s right to maintain relationships with both parents, as recognized under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which India is a signatory.

Such an abduction also violates the fundamental rights of the child to maintain a meaningful and healthy relationship with both parents and both sides of extended family. These actions often occur in breach of court orders from the country of habitual residence or through deception—such as a parent taking the child abroad under the pretext of a temporary visit (a "vacation") and not returning.

The consequences for the child are severe. Behind every case is a child torn between two worlds, growing up without the affection, guidance, and moral grounding that both parents can offer. Prolonged separations can cause lasting emotional and psychological harm, confusion about family bonds, and difficulty forming trusting relationships in adulthood.

For the parent left behind, the journey toward reunification is long and complex, involving multiple legal systems, different countries, and numerous years of uncertainty. Many of us have been separated from our children for years — in some cases nearly a decade — watching from afar as our children grow up without us, often believing one parent has abandoned them. The emotional, psychological, and developmental harm to these children is immeasurable.

Indian culture deeply values a family, a parent–child bond, and the joint family system. So, such separations represent a humanitarian and moral concern. The unilateral withholding of children within India, without the consent of both parents, diminishes these Indian moral values and cultural hallmarks and causes immense suffering to innocent children and families.

Our delegation humbly requests a brief virtual meeting of 15–20 minutes at your convenience. We hope to share our experiences and explore how India can:

•    Help prevent such abductions in the future (as India does not consider parental abduction of children as a crime); and
•    Facilitate the safe reunification of children who were not born in India, who do not have a citizenship of India, and who currently being wrongfully retained in India without the consent of both parents.

We deeply respect the demands of your schedule. Your leadership and compassion could make a lasting difference in the lives of many children and families. For our children — who have been waiting years to be heard and embraced by both parents — even a few minutes of your time could mean a lifetime of change.

We sincerely hope our request for a meeting is granted.

With utmost respect, gratitude, and hope
Supporters for the Prevention of International Parental Child Abduction
(on behalf of left-behind parents, advocates, and family supporters)

 

Worldwide reports on IPCA - 

Reports mentioning abductions to India

• USA - Department of State -
  • 2025 report on International Abduction of Children and concerning Action Report (Published 2025)
• USA - Travel State reports - 
  • Recent reports on International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA) and concerning action reports (annual publication - historical record)
• European Parliament - Directorate-General for Internal Policies - 
  • Parental Child Abductions to Third Countries (Published 2024) 

 Reports from other organizations and in media mentioning India

• RPV Legal -
  • Between Rights And Welfare: Navigating International Parental Child Abduction Disputes (Published 2025)
    • "....India has faced mounting criticism from foreign nations over the years, particularly the U.S. Department of State, for its lack of cooperation and failure to comply with international protocols addressing parental child abduction. The most recent report of the U.S. Department of State ...... highlighted India's ongoing pattern of non-compliance ......."
• The Tribune - 
  • India does not adhere to international parental child abduction protocols, says US report (Published 2023)

Other examples of country specific reports

• Australia - Attorney-General's Department - 
  • Annual Report (Published 2023) 
• Germany - Federal Office of Justice (German version) - 
  • Numbers from 2023 on cross-border child abductions (Published 2024)
• Japan - Ministry of Foreign Affairs -
  • Implementation Status of the Hague Convention (Published 2025)