Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, marking the German leader’s first official visit to India since assuming office.
Upon arrival at the Ashram, the two leaders paid floral tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and Merz signed the visitors’ book.
Both leaders later participated in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront, underscoring the cultural outreach and people-to-people connect during the German Chancellor’s visit.
Merz is on a two-day official visit to India from January 12 to 13, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. The visit coincides with celebrations marking 75 years of India-Germany diplomatic relations and 25 years of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.
Earlier in the day, the German Chancellor arrived in Ahmedabad, where he was received by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat.
“Welcome to India! Willkommen in Indien! Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Ahmedabad on an official visit. Warmly received by Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat at the airport. India and Germany are celebrating 75 years of India-Germany diplomatic ties and 25 years of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. Chancellor Merz’s visit and his meeting with PM Narendra Modi, later in the day, will further strengthen India-Germany partnership.,” the MEA said in a post on X.
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 ANI inputs)
