German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Meets PM Modi, Flies Kites During First Official Visit to India

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in India on Sunday night, marking his first official visit to the country since assuming office. The two-day visit began in Ahmedabad, where he was warmly received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, setting the tone for deeper bilateral engagement between India and Germany.

Chancellor Merz landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad late Sunday evening, where he was welcomed by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat. His arrival comes at a time when New Delhi and Berlin are seeking to expand cooperation across strategic, economic, and security domains.

On Monday morning, Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz met in Ahmedabad and jointly visited the historic Sabarmati Ashram, a symbol of Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and India’s freedom movement. The leaders later participated in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront, where they were seen flying kites, reflecting the cultural warmth underpinning the diplomatic visit.

The Prime Minister shared the experience as a gesture of cultural diplomacy, highlighting India’s traditions while hosting the German leader. The kite-flying event also coincided with Uttarayan celebrations in Gujarat, adding symbolic significance to the visit.

According to official sources, Chancellor Merz’s visit to Ahmedabad was planned as a blend of diplomacy and people-to-people engagement, underlining the importance both nations attach to cultural understanding alongside political dialogue.

The formal bilateral meetings between Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz were scheduled to begin at 11:15 am at Mahatma Mandir, where delegations from both sides were set to hold comprehensive discussions on a wide range of issues.

Senior officials indicated that the talks would focus on reviewing progress made under the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which has now completed nearly 25 years. Both sides are expected to explore ways to further strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, and emerging technologies.

#WATCH | Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Federal Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz arrives at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

He is on an official visit to India from 12-13 January at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. pic.twitter.com/sIqGH7Ewe5

— ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2026

Strategic Cooperation and Bilateral Agenda

A key agenda item during the discussions is the expansion of collaboration in advanced manufacturing, green energy, clean technology, defense, and security cooperation. Germany remains one of India’s most important partners within the European Union, particularly in the areas of sustainability and industrial innovation.

Science, research and innovation, education, skilled mobility, and green and sustainable development are also expected to feature prominently in the talks. Officials noted that both leaders share a common vision of strengthening people-to-people ties as a foundation for long-term cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz last met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, where they agreed to further deepen the strategic partnership between their countries. During that interaction, PM Modi extended an invitation to the German leader for an official visit to India, which led to the current trip.

The timing of Chancellor Merz’s visit is also significant as it precedes the India–European Union Summit scheduled for January 27. Germany plays a pivotal role within the EU, and its engagement with India is seen as crucial in shaping broader India-EU relations.

Analysts view the visit as an opportunity for both nations to align their strategic priorities amid evolving global challenges, including supply chain resilience, climate change, and geopolitical stability.

Chancellor Merz’s first visit to India thus combines diplomacy, strategic dialogue, and cultural symbolism, reflecting the growing depth and maturity of the India-Germany partnership as both countries look to the future.