India's PM Modi holds talks with German chancellor
KATHMANDU: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held delegation-level talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad as part of the latter’s first official visit to India, the ANI reported.
The German chancellor is on a two-day official visit, which coincides with celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations and 25 years of the India–Germany strategic partnership, and is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between India and Germany.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were also present. The meeting was held at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties as the leaders reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility, and explored collaboration in defence, security, science, innovation, research and sustainable development.
Prior to their meeting, Prime Minister Modi welcomed the German chancellor to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, marking Merz’s first official visit to India since taking office. After his arrival at the ashram, both leaders paid floral tributes to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and Merz signed the visitors’ book.
The two leaders jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront, underscoring the cultural and diplomatic significance of the visit. They were also seen flying a kite depicting Lord Hanuman.
The German chancellor is in India from January 12 to January 13. On January 13, Merz will visit Bosch and the Nano Science and Engineering Centre (CeNSE) before departing for Germany.
Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz last held discussions on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, where they agreed to broaden the bilateral strategic partnership. During that interaction, Modi invited the German chancellor to an official visit to New Delhi.
The visit comes in the lead-up to the India–EU Summit scheduled for January 27.
