German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Begins Official Visit to India
Chancellor Merz Arrives in Ahmedabad
On Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Ahmedabad for his inaugural two-day official visit to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed Chancellor Merz, symbolizing the strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Tribute at Sabarmati Ashram
The visit commenced with a tour of the historic Sabarmati Ashram, where PM Modi and Chancellor Merz paid their respects to Mahatma Gandhi. During this visit, Chancellor Merz expressed his admiration for Gandhi's principles and the significance of the Ashram in India's freedom struggle.
Inauguration of the International Kite Festival
Following their tribute at the Ashram, both leaders proceeded to the Sabarmati Riverfront to inaugurate the International Kite Festival. This event marked a significant moment during Chancellor Merz's first official trip to India, showcasing a blend of cultural celebration and diplomatic engagement.
Enjoying the Festivities
Visuals from the event showed PM Modi and Chancellor Merz interacting with participants and enjoying the festive atmosphere. They were also seen flying kites together, capturing the attention of the crowd at the riverfront.
Symbolic Kite Flying
Both leaders took part in kite flying, adding a symbolic and cultural touch to this high-profile international event. They were spotted flying a kite featuring an image of Lord Hanuman during the International Kite Festival.
Details of the Festival
With Makar Sankranti just around the corner, the three-day International Kite Festival will conclude on January 14. The event features 135 international kite flyers representing 50 countries, alongside 65 participants from across India and 871 local kite flyers from Gujarat.
Bilateral Meetings Ahead
Subsequently, bilateral meetings are scheduled at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Center in Gandhinagar, where both leaders will review the progress of the India-Germany strategic partnership, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
Discussions on Trade and Global Issues
Officials indicated that in the evening, PM Modi will participate in delegation-level talks at the Mahatma Mandir, followed by a joint press statement. The Ministry of External Affairs previously mentioned that PM Modi and Chancellor Merz would also engage with leaders from the business and industry sectors to exchange views on regional and global issues.
Event Highlights
#WATCH | Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attend International Kite Festival 2026 at Sabarmati Riverfront.
— News Media (@NewsMedia) January 12, 2026
(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/n611NrLIOl
#WATCH | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrive at Sabarmati riverfront to participate in the International Kite Festival 2026.
— News Media (@NewsMedia) January 12, 2026
(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/pgzaUCR05U