Delegation-Level Talks in Gandhinagar
The delegation-level meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz was held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were present during the discussions.
The talks focused on strengthening cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, technology, education, skilling, and mobility. Both leaders also explored opportunities to deepen collaboration in defence, security, science, innovation, research, and sustainable development.
Shared Vision for Strategic Partnership
Officials said the discussions reflected a shared commitment to expanding the India-Germany partnership in line with emerging global challenges. Emphasis was laid on innovation-led growth, clean energy transitions, and enhancing people-to-people ties.
The Ministry of External Affairs has described Germany as one of India’s most important partners in Europe, with growing engagement in technology, green energy, and advanced manufacturing.
International Kite Festival 2026 Inaugurated
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. The event highlighted the fusion of cultural diplomacy with formal state engagements.
Visuals from the festival showed both leaders interacting with participants, riding together in an open vehicle, and flying kites, symbolising friendship and shared celebration. Kites featuring motifs associated with both leaders added a unique diplomatic touch to the event.
Global Participation and Cultural Outreach
According to the Gujarat government, the festival has drawn participation from 135 international kite flyers representing 50 countries. Nearly 1,000 kite enthusiasts from India, including hundreds from Gujarat, are also taking part.
The festival, which will continue until January 14 ahead of Makar Sankranti, has already seen kite artists visit Rajkot, Surat, Dholavira, and the Statue of Unity, captivating audiences across the state.
Promoting Tourism and Heritage
Through the International Kite Festival, Gujarat Tourism aims to showcase the state’s cultural richness and major tourist destinations to a global audience. Last year’s festival attracted over 3.83 lakh visitors across Gujarat.
This year, officials expect more than five lakh domestic and international tourists to visit Gujarat during the festival period, providing a significant boost to local tourism and cultural exchange.
Visit to Sabarmati Ashram
As part of the official itinerary, Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz also visited the historic Sabarmati Ashram. The two leaders paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and toured Hriday Kunj, observing the charkha spinning process.
The visit highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring global legacy and reinforced shared values of peace, dialogue, and non-violence that underpin India-Germany relations.
Diplomacy Beyond the Conference Room
Officials noted that combining cultural events with diplomatic engagements reflects India’s broader approach to international relations, where heritage and soft power play a complementary role alongside strategic dialogue.
