Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz began their visit to Ahmedabad on Monday morning at the Gandhi Ashram, before proceeding to the Sabarmati Riverfront for the inauguration of the International Kite Festival 2026. Chancellor Merz is on a two-day official visit to India.
At the historic Gandhi Ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, the two dignitaries paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz also visited Hriday Kunj, Gandhi’s residence in the ashram, and observed the process of weaving khadi.
A statement from the Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust (SAPMT) noted that Merz wrote in the visitors’ book in German. An English version of the message, shared by SAPMT, quoted the Chancellor as saying, “Mahatma Gandhi’s unshakeable belief in the power of freedom and the dignity of each and every individual inspires us to this day. This human legacy unites Indians and Germans as friends in a world that may more than ever be in need of Gandhi’s teachings.”
At the International Kite Festival 2026, Prime Minister Modi explained to Chancellor Merz the heritage and culture of Ahmedabad through various displays and setups featuring old haveli-like structures symbolising the pols (traditional residential clusters) of the city. Merz was also shown live kite-making demonstrations.
While the main event venue is at Vallabh Sadan on the west bank of the Sabarmati Riverfront, a vibrant colour display in the hues of the Indian and German flags welcomed the dignitaries on the east bank as they overlooked the river.
Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz toured the venue in an open vehicle amid colourful kites soaring overhead. They also tried their hand at flying kites.
A total of 1,071 kite flyers are participating in the International Kite Festival 2026, including 135 from 50 countries, 65 from 13 Indian states, and 871 from 16 districts of Gujarat. Among the 50 countries represented are Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Jordan, Australia, and Indonesia.
The German Chancellor is scheduled to proceed to Gandhinagar, where he will hold a meeting with Prime Minister Modi at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre. The high-level meeting is expected to be followed by press statements from the two leaders.
Merz is set to spend the night in Ahmedabad before departing for Bengaluru on Tuesday morning. This marks the German Chancellor’s first official visit to India and his first bilateral trip outside European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries.
Also Read: Modi, German Chancellor Merz visit Sabarmati Ashram
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