AHMEDABAD, January 12, 2026
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Ahmedabad on Monday for his first official visit to India, where he was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a series of engagements highlighting cultural and bilateral ties.
The two leaders began the day with a visit to Sabarmati Ashram, where they paid floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. They also toured Hriday Kunj, the residence where Gandhi lived with his wife Kasturba during the freedom movement. Merz observed the traditional spinning of khadi yarn on a charkha, a symbol Gandhi promoted for self-reliance.
In the ashram’s visitors’ book, Merz wrote that Gandhi’s unwavering belief in freedom and human dignity continues to inspire, connecting Indians and Germans as friends at a time when the world needs Gandhi’s teachings more than ever. He noted that the Mahatma’s legacy binds the two nations.
Later, Modi and Merz proceeded to the Sabarmati Riverfront to inaugurate the International Kite Festival 2026. The leaders interacted with women artisans, learned about kite-making processes, rode in an open vehicle around the venue, and flew kites themselves.
According to the Gujarat government, the festival features 135 international kite flyers from 50 countries and around 1,000 participants from India. In the lead-up, participants have showcased their skills in locations including Rajkot, Surat, Dholavira in Kutch, and the Statue of Unity in Narmada. The event in Ahmedabad will continue until January 14.
