It is his first trip to South Asia as Federal Chancellor: Federal Chancellor Merz visits India to deepen bilateral relations and engage in dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From historic sites such as the Sabarmati Ashram to the colourful Uttarayan kite festival – the photo series shows the two heads of government at official appointments and cultural encounters in Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad, 12 January 2026: The Chancellor’s first trip to Asia takes him to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed him in his home state of Gujarat. The visit is a sign of close Indo-German relations and mutual appreciation between the two countries.
On Monday morning, the two heads of government visited the former ashram of Mahatma Gandhi. The Sabarmati Ashram he founded was the centre of his life from 1918 to 1930 and a key site of the Indian independence movement. Gandhi’s former residence is now part of the “Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalay” museum.
Afterwards, Federal Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Modi went on a tour of Ahmedabad’s historic city centre. Among other things, they watched a traditional kite being made for the Uttarayan kite festival.
In 2026, Germany and India will celebrate 75 years of bilateral relations and 25 years of strategic partnership.
At the traditional kite festival, both heads of government took part in a festive kite-flying ceremony.
Merz thanked Modi for the invitation to his home state. “In a way, Ahmedabad is the cradle of modern India. It was from here that Gandhi led his non-violent struggle for freedom, for self-determination, for democracy”, said the Chancellor after the visit.
Political talks continued in an extended circle with the Prime Minister of the Republic of India at the Congress Centre in Gandhinagar. “Particularly in view of the profound geopolitical changes and upheavals happening in the world, we share a fundamental interest in deepening our strategic partnership”, said Federal Chancellor Merz afterwards.
During the exchange with company representatives, the Federal Chancellor emphasised the common interests of both countries. “The highly dynamic India and the technologically leading country, Germany, share essential interests”, said Merz.
At the concluding press conference, Federal Chancellor Merz emphasised the close partnership with India: “Germany, as the most populous and economically strongest state in the European Union, and India, as the largest democracy in the world – we are united by fundamental values.”