Despite the challenges in adopting Indian children, foreign nationals continue to show significant interest. The Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, recently informed the Lok Sabha that over 5,000 Indian children have been adopted by foreigners in the last decade.
Sharing specific data, she revealed that a total of 4,963 Indian children were adopted by foreign nationals in the past 10 years. Among these, the United States topped the list with 2,031 adoptions, followed by Italy with 1,029. Spain accounted for 517 adoptions, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for 252, and Malta for 215.
Minister Thakur also noted that no complaints of improper upbringing or exploitation of adopted children have been received by the government, reflecting a positive outcome of the adoption process.
What is the process of adoption?
Foreign nationals wishing to adopt Indian children must follow the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (amended in 2021). The adoption process is overseen by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), and prospective parents must follow these key steps:
- Registration with CARA: Foreign nationals must register with CARA and comply with its guidelines.
- Agency Sponsorship: The application must be sponsored by a social or child welfare agency that is recognized or licensed by the government of the applicant’s country of residence.
- Hague Convention Compliance: The Government of India accepted the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption in 2003. As part of the process, obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from CARA is mandatory.
