Video: PM Modi, German Chancellor fly Lord Hanuman kite in Ahmedabad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad as part of the latter's maiden two-day visit to India. Merz landed in Ahmedabad on Sunday night and will hold bilateral talks with PM Modi later in the day.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad as he kicked off his maiden two-day visit to India by flying kites at the International Kite Festival and visiting Sabarmati Ashram.
The two leaders attended the International Kite Festival at Sabarmati Riverfront, where they were seen flying kites. One of the kites depicted Lord Hanuman while some featured motifs of both leaders.
Kites displaying the flags of the two strategic partner nations and Hindu deities were also on display.
Merz landed at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Sunday night, as New Delhi and Berlin seek to deepen cooperation across strategic, economic and security sectors.
The Chancellor and PM Modi met in Ahmedabad. Their programme included a joint visit to the Sabarmati Ashram, followed by participation in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront.
Bilateral engagements between the two leaders are set to begin at 11:15 am at Mahatma Mandir, where the delegations will hold talks.
TALKS ON STRATEGIC COOPERATION
The discussions are set to focus on the review of progress made under the India-Germany Strategic Partnership that recently clocked 25 years. According to officials, talks would include the further strengthening of cooperation in trade and investment, advanced technology, education, and mobility, as well as cooperation in defence and security.
The big areas under discussion also include science, innovation and research, green and sustainable development, people-to-people ties, among others.
Both leaders last held talks on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, where they agreed to further broaden the bilateral strategic partnership. During that interaction, PM Modi extended an invitation to the German leader for an official visit to India, paving the way for the current trip.
The German chancellor’s visit also comes ahead of the India–EU Summit scheduled for January 27. Germany is a key partner for India within the European Union, particularly in areas such as manufacturing, clean energy and defence cooperation.