admin 
Ahmedabad (Gujarat), January 12:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on Sunday, marking the Chancellor’s first official visit to India since taking office.
Upon arrival, both leaders paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, and Chancellor Merz signed the visitors’ book at the historic site. Following this, they participated in the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront, highlighting the cultural and diplomatic significance of the visit.
Strengthening India-Germany Ties
The visit aims to enhance bilateral relations between India and Germany, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and 25 years of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. Chancellor Merz’s two-day trip (January 12–13) includes bilateral discussions, business engagements, and visits to key institutions.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Chancellor Merz was received at the airport by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat. The MEA highlighted that the visit will further strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, technology, education, skilling, mobility, defense, security, science, innovation, green development, and people-to-people ties.
High-Level Bilateral Engagements
On January 12, PM Modi and Chancellor Merz will hold meetings at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, reviewing progress on the India-Germany Strategic Partnership and exploring future collaboration in strategic sectors. The leaders will also discuss regional and global issues and engage with industry and business leaders from both countries.
Chancellor Merz’s itinerary on January 13 includes visits to Bosch and Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) before returning to Germany. The visit builds on discussions between the two leaders at the G7 Summit in Canada, where PM Modi invited Chancellor Merz for an official visit.
The visit underscores India and Germany’s commitment to a forward-looking partnership and strengthens strategic, economic, and cultural ties. It also sets the stage for the upcoming India-EU Summit on January 27, further enhancing international cooperation.
About The Author
