Ahmedabad: The Sabarmati Riverfront turned into an unexpected stage of diplomatic warmth on Monday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz were seen flying kites together, offering a rare blend of culture and statecraft.
The two leaders participated in the International Kite Festival celebrations, with visuals showing them flying an “Operation Sindoor”-themed kite. Another kite, adorned with an image of Lord Hanuman and inspired by Indian cultural motifs, added a distinctly traditional touch to the event.
Chancellor Merz is on his first official visit to India since assuming office, marking his maiden trip to both India and Asia as German Federal Chancellor. His two-day visit underscores Berlin’s growing strategic focus on New Delhi and the wider Indo-Pacific.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi welcomed the German leader at Sabarmati Ashram, where both leaders paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi. At Hriday Kunj, Gandhi’s residence within the ashram, Modi and Merz observed the traditional process of khadi weaving, highlighting India’s legacy of self-reliance and sustainable living.
Der Himmel über Ahmedabad ist während des Internationalen Drachenfestivals voller Farben und Lebendigkeit.
Ich freue mich, dass ich Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz diesen ganz besonderen Anlass zeigen konnte. Es hat mich auch sehr gefreut, dass er sich im Drachensteigen versucht… pic.twitter.com/HbKjH4oCQH
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 12, 2026
Addressing the broader relationship, Prime Minister Modi said India–Germany ties are gaining renewed momentum, particularly on the economic front. He noted that bilateral trade has crossed an all-time high of $50 billion and pointed out that over 2,000 German companies have an established presence in India.
“Close collaboration between economies like India and Germany is vital not just for our two nations, but for the global economy,” Modi said, adding that expanding trade and investment have infused fresh energy into the strategic partnership.
The two leaders also exchanged views on major global challenges, including the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Modi reiterated India’s consistent position in favour of peaceful resolution of disputes and stressed joint resolve against terrorism, calling it a grave threat to humanity.
In a significant outcome of the talks, Germany announced a visa-free airport transit facility for Indian passport holders. Under the new arrangement, Indian citizens will be able to transit through German airports for onward international connections without the need for a separate transit visa, easing travel and mobility.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Chancellor Merz for the decision, saying it would not only facilitate smoother travel for Indians but also strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Chancellor Merz is accompanied by a high-level delegation of 23 leading German CEOs and industry leaders, highlighting the strong economic dimension of the visit. The trip comes in the backdrop of the 7th India–Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations held in New Delhi in October 2024.
The visit gains added significance as 2025 marks 25 years of the India–Germany Strategic Partnership, while 2026 will commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations. Both leaders welcomed the renewed momentum across government, business, civil society and academia, describing it as crucial to deepening the long-term partnership between the two nations.
