Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on January 12 participated in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, witnessing the colour, energy and cultural vibrancy of the annual event. The festival is held every year in Gujarat during January to mark Uttarayan, a significant period in the Hindu calendar that symbolises the sun’s northward journey and the beginning of the summer season. The festival attracts participants and visitors from across India and around the world.
PM Modi and Chancellor Merz were accorded a warm reception on their arrival at the venue and were presented with traditional Gujarati scarves as a mark of welcome. The atmosphere was festive as artists and performers from different parts of the state showcased traditional dance forms and folk music to greet the visiting German leader and celebrate the spirit of the occasion. Chancellor Merz arrived in India early January 12 on a visit aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations between India and Germany.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Chancellor Merz visited the Sabarmati Ashram to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, where they viewed an exhibition showcasing Gandhi’s life and legacy. The German Chancellor also recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book. Later in the day, the two leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, with discussions expected to focus on enhancing cooperation across various sectors. The India-Germany strategic partnership has recently completed 25 years.