Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held bilateral talks on Monday at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, reaffirming the close strategic partnership between India and Germany.
Speaking after the meeting, PM Modi said India and Germany are trusted and close partners, reflected in the presence of more than 2,000 German companies operating in India. This, he noted, demonstrates Germany’s unwavering confidence in India and the vast opportunities the country offers.
New projects and MoUs to strengthen ties
The Prime Minister said both countries are jointly advancing new projects across multiple sectors, adding that the Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the visit would further strengthen cooperation. India and Germany, he said, are working together in virtually every field, and the agreements concluded on Monday will give fresh momentum to this partnership.
Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram
Earlier in the morning, both leaders visited the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, where they paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi. The visit highlighted Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, freedom, and human dignity, which continue to inspire people worldwide.
Joint participation in International Kite Festival
After the Ashram visit, Modi and Merz proceeded to the Sabarmati Riverfront to participate in the International Kite Festival 2026. The leaders engaged with kite enthusiasts and flew kites together, symbolizing cultural exchange and camaraderie between India and Germany.
The two leaders were accorded a warm welcome and presented with traditional Gujarati scarves on arrival. The riverfront came alive with colour and music as artists from across the state performed folk dances and music, showcasing Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage.
German Chancellor highlights Gandhi’s relevance today
After touring the ashram, Chancellor Merz wrote in the guest book: “Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of non-violence, his faith in the power of freedom, and his respect for the dignity of every individual continue to inspire people today. Gandhi’s ideals are more relevant now than ever.”
A battery storage working group was also launched under the India-Germany Platform for Investments in Renewable Energy Worldwide.
Other agreements include:
Memorandum of Understanding on Youth Hockey Development between Hockey India and German Hockey Federation (Deutscher Hockey-Bund e.V.)
Joint Declaration of Intent for Joint Cooperation in Research and Development on Bioeconomy
Joint Declaration of Intent on the extension of tenure of the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC)
Joint Declaration of Intent on the Framework Conditions of Global Skill Partnerships for Fair, Ethical and Sustainable Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals
Joint Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in Sport
Letter of Intent between the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, and Deutsche Post AG.
PM Modi thanks Chancellor Merz for visa-free transit for Indian citizens
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 12, 2026 invited German universities to establish campuses in India as part of a comprehensive roadmap on higher education development between India and Germany during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s official visit to the country.
Addressing a joint press conference with German Chancellor Merz, Mr. Modi expressed his gratitude to Merz for announcing visa-free transit for Indian citizens, calling it a step that would further strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations.
“The comprehensive roadmap on higher education that we have developed today will give a new direction to our partnership in the field of education. I invite German universities to open their campuses in India. I express my gratitude to Chancellor Merz for announcing visa-free transit for Indian citizens,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi, German Chancellor Merz inaugurate International Kite Festival 2026
According to a report by ANI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad.
The two leaders participated in the festival as part of Chancellor Merz’s first official visit to India, highlighting the blend of cultural celebration and diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
Visuals from the event show both leaders interacting with participants and enjoying the vibrant festivities, which attract kite enthusiasts from across the country and abroad. Both leaders also flew kites together during the event.
With Makar Sankranti just a few days away, the International Kite Festival will run for three days, concluding on January 14, with participation from 135 international kite enthusiasts representing 50 countries. Alongside them, 65 flyers from across India and 871 local participants from Gujarat will also take part in the event.
