Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront, sharing festive moments that blended cultural celebration with diplomatic engagement.
The two leaders were accorded a warm welcome and presented with traditional Gujarati scarves on arrival. The riverfront came alive with colour and music as artists from across the state performed folk dances and music, showcasing Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage.
PM Modi and Merz later joined the celebrations by flying kites. The Prime Minister was seen flying a specially designed kite bearing the message “Bharat – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, reflecting India’s philosophy of the world as one family. Several kites featured the Tricolour, Hindu deities, and motifs symbolising friendship between India and Germany.
Large crowds gathered along the riverfront to catch a glimpse of the leaders, with many waving Indian and German flags – an expression of the growing partnership between the two nations. The leaders also interacted with international participants who had travelled to Gujarat for the festival.
Held every January during Uttarayan, the International Kite Festival marks the sun’s northward journey and the onset of the summer season. This year’s edition will run for three days until January 14, featuring 135 international kite enthusiasts from 50 countries, 65 flyers from across India, and over 870 local participants from Gujarat.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi welcomed Merz to the Sabarmati Ashram, where both leaders paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and viewed an exhibition on his life and legacy. Merz also signed the visitors’ book.
Merz is on his first official visit to India from January 12 to 13, coinciding with 75 years of India–Germany diplomatic relations and 25 years of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. He was received on arrival in Ahmedabad by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat.
PM Modi and Merz are scheduled to hold bilateral engagements from 11:15 am onwards at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. During the talks, the two leaders will review progress under the Strategic Partnership and explore ways to deepen cooperation in key areas, including trade and investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility, defence and security, science and innovation, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people exchanges.
They are also expected to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and interact with business and industry leaders from both countries.
According to the MEA, the visit builds on the momentum generated by regular high-level interactions and provides an opportunity to reaffirm the shared vision of India and Germany for a forward-looking partnership that benefits both nations and contributes positively to the global community.
(With agency inputs)
