Ahmedabad: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz began his first official visit to India from Ahmedabad. Marj, who arrived on this two-day tour, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and showed his connection with Indian culture by participating in the International Kite Festival. The presence of both the leaders surrounded the colorful kites made the undercurrent special. After this he visited Sabarmati Ashram, where he closely understood the life, struggle and thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi.
On Sunday night, Marj reached Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, where he was welcomed by the Governor of Gujarat. This visit is taking place at a time when India and Germany are moving towards strengthening their bilateral relations. Both countries want to work together on issues ranging from strategic cooperation to trade, investment and security. The special thing is that this year the diplomatic relations between India and Germany are completing 75 years, due to which the importance of this visit has increased plane more.
Welcome to India! Willkommen in Indien!
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz @Bundeskanzler 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 triumphal 75 years of… pic.twitter.com/Qw4ZkQ0FpP
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) January 12, 2026Why did the tour start from Ahmedabad only?
Ahmedabad is considered important from cultural and historical point of view. The municipality is a symbol of both the Gandhi legacy and modern India. Starting the German Chancellor's tour from here is stuff considered symbolic.
Why was the visit to Sabarmati Ashram important?
Sabarmati Ashram has been the workplace of Mahatma Gandhi. From here the ideas of Satyagraha and non-violence reached the world. Marge showed special interest in Gandhi's principles.
What is the message of participating in the International Kite Festival?
The Kite Festival is the identity of Gujarat. By participating in this, Marj showed connection with the people. This is stuff considered a strong sign of cultural diplomacy. Formal talks between the two leaders are scheduled at Mahatma Mandir. Delegation level talks will uncork in the morning. Many important agreements will be discussed in this.
What will be the main issues of conversation?
There will be a review of 25 years of India-Germany strategic partnership. There will be accent on increasing trade and investment. Advanced technology, education and skill minutiae will be discussed. Both countries want to whop defense cooperation. There will moreover be talk on cyber security and maritime security. This cooperation is considered important in the era of global instability.
What will be the conversation on untried minutiae and technology?
Green energy and sustainable minutiae are included in the agenda. There will be accent on joint efforts to deal with climate change. There is a plan to increase cooperation in research and innovation.
What is the European context of this tour?
The visit is taking place superiority of the India-EU summit on January 27. Germany is an important partner of India in the European Union. Cooperation in manufacturing, wipe energy and defense is increasing. The two last met during the G7 summit. In the same meeting, Marj was invited to visit India. Now this visit is stuff considered an extension of that conversation.
Overall, this visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is not just formal, but an struggle to requite a new direction to India-Germany relations. From cultural programs to strategic meetings, the visit seems to be laying the groundwork for remoter strengthening of trust and cooperation between the two countries.
