Ahmedabad, January 12, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday warmly welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, marking Chancellor Merz’s first official visit to India since taking office. The visit underscores the significance of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership and coincides with celebrations of 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Upon arrival at the Ashram, the leaders paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, honoring India’s legacy of peace and non-violence. Chancellor Merz also signed the visitors’ book, commemorating the visit. Following the tribute, both leaders participated in the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront, highlighting the cultural dimension of the visit alongside its diplomatic significance.

Chancellor Merz was warmly received at the airport by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, reflecting the ceremonial and official welcome extended to visiting dignitaries. The Ministry of External Affairs noted on X: “Welcome to India! Willkommen in Indien! Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in Ahmedabad on an official visit. India and Germany are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties and 25 years of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. Chancellor Merz’s visit and his meeting with PM Narendra Modi will further strengthen the India-Germany partnership.”

Key Objectives of the Visit

The two-day visit, from January 12 to January 13, is intended to strengthen bilateral ties across multiple sectors. During the official engagements, PM Modi and Chancellor Merz will review the progress of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which recently completed 25 years, and explore avenues for further cooperation.

The discussions are expected to cover:

• Trade and Investment: Identifying new opportunities to boost bilateral commerce and industrial collaboration.
• Technology, Education, and Skilling: Enhancing joint initiatives in innovation, research, and human capital development.
• Defence and Security: Deepening cooperation on strategic security matters and defence technology.
• Green and Sustainable Development: Collaboration on climate action, renewable energy, and sustainable industrial solutions.
• People-to-People Ties: Expanding cultural and educational exchanges to foster mutual understanding.
• Regional and Global Issues: Aligning positions on international challenges and strengthening multilateral cooperation.

Bilateral Engagements

On Monday, both leaders will hold formal bilateral talks at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar starting at 11:15 am. The agenda includes discussions with business and industry leaders, providing a platform to enhance economic collaboration and promote joint ventures.

Chancellor Merz’s itinerary also includes visits to major institutions such as Bosch and the Nano Science and Engineering Centre (CeNSE) on January 13, before departing back to Germany. These visits aim to showcase India’s technological and scientific capabilities, reflecting the emphasis on innovation-driven growth in the partnership.

Context and Background

The India-Germany Strategic Partnership has seen regular high-level interactions over the years, and both leaders last met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, where they reaffirmed their commitment to broaden the partnership. During that interaction, PM Modi formally invited Chancellor Merz to India, paving the way for this official visit.

Germany is India’s key partner in Europe for trade, technology, and research collaboration. The visit comes at a time when India is focusing on strengthening strategic partnerships in advanced technology, green energy, and sustainable development initiatives.

Significance of the Sabarmati Ashram Visit

The choice of Sabarmati Ashram for the inaugural meeting is symbolic, emphasizing Gandhian values of peace, non-violence, and ethical leadership. The leaders’ participation in the kite festival adds a cultural dimension to the visit, demonstrating India’s commitment to celebrating its heritage while fostering international diplomacy.

Expected Outcomes

The visit is anticipated to reinforce India-Germany ties and provide momentum for further cooperation across sectors, including trade, technology, defence, and sustainable development. By combining strategic discussions with cultural and scientific engagement, the visit aims to lay a forward-looking foundation for bilateral relations benefiting both countries and the global community.

In summary, Chancellor Merz’s maiden official visit to India highlights the strength and depth of India-Germany relations, from strategic dialogue to cultural engagement. The discussions are expected to shape long-term collaborationacross key areas, reinforcing the vision of a mutually beneficial partnership for the 21st century.