The meeting was held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Merz at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, today. This visit, being the Chancellor’s first to the country, marks an important chapter in Indo-German relations, as both leaders held discussions to enhance cooperation across a wide spectrum of sectors. Both leaders also reviewed the progress made in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which had recently completed 25 years.
The bilateral discussions focused on trade, investment, and high-end technology, while also advancing critical partnerships in defence, green sustainable development, and science and research. The leaders were set to exchange perspectives on pressing regional and global issues and engage with top industry heads.
Earlier, both the leaders paid tributes at the Sabarmati Ashram. Both the leaders visited ‘Hriday Kunj’, the former residence of the Mahatma, where they observed the traditional process of spinning the charkha. Both leaders expressed deep respect for Mahatma Gandhi’s values of simplicity and self-reliance and his unwavering commitment to truth and ahimsa. Deeply moved by the experience, Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted in the visitor’s book that Mahatma Gandhi’s firm belief in the power of freedom continues to serve as an inspiration for all. He emphasised that this shared human legacy acts as a bridge of friendship between the people of India and Germany, highlighting that Gandhiji’s teachings remain profoundly relevant in today’s world.
Both leaders also participated in the International Kite Festival at Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. The three-day festival features one hundred and thirty-five kite flyers from fifty nations, along with more than 900 participants from across India and Gujarat. The special attractions of the three-day festival include night kite flying on January 13th, heritage havelis, and a dedicated kite museum, among others. This year, kites based on the ‘Operation Sindoor’ theme, in particular, have sparked great curiosity.
