Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz began the German leader’s India visit in Ahmedabad on Monday, combining cultural engagements with high-level talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
The day opened at the Sabarmati Ashram, where the two leaders paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and reflected on his message of peace and dialogue. Chancellor Merz described the visit as meaningful, noting Gandhi’s global influence and shared values between India and Germany.
From the Ashram, Mr Modi and Chancellor Merz moved to the Sabarmati Riverfront to inaugurate the International Kite Festival 2026, a key event of Gujarat’s Uttarayan celebrations. In a lighter moment, the leaders flew kites together, drawing applause from the crowd. The festival features kite flyers from several countries along with participants from across India and will continue until January 14.
Later, the focus shifted to diplomacy as the two leaders held bilateral talks at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar. Discussions centred on reviewing the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which has completed 25 years, and on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology, climate action, defence, education and skilled workforce mobility.
Germany remains one of India’s key partners in Europe, with growing collaboration in clean energy, manufacturing and innovation. The visit also comes ahead of upcoming India-European Union engagements.
Chancellor Merz’s visit will continue with further meetings in New Delhi, but the Ahmedabad programme set a warm and symbolic tone for deeper India-Germany engagement.
