Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held delegation-level talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, with discussions centred on deepening cooperation across key sectors.
The meeting marked Chancellor Merz’s first official visit to India and coincided with 75 years of India–Germany diplomatic relations and 25 years of their Strategic Partnership. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were present during the talks.
Both leaders reviewed the progress of the India–Germany Strategic Partnership and explored ways to strengthen collaboration in trade, investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility. They also discussed expanding cooperation in defence and security, science and innovation, research, green and sustainable development, along with people-to-people exchanges. Regional and global issues of mutual interest also figured in the discussions.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi welcomed Chancellor Merz at the Sabarmati Ashram, where the two leaders paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and viewed an exhibition highlighting his life and ideals. The German Chancellor also signed the visitors’ book at the Ashram.
Later, PM Modi and Chancellor Merz jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront. The leaders were accorded a traditional welcome, witnessed cultural performances, and participated in the Uttarayan celebrations by flying kites, including a special kite carrying the message “Bharat – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit reinforces the strong momentum in India–Germany relations and reaffirms their shared vision for a forward-looking partnership that contributes to global peace and development.
