German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz touched down at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Monday, January 12, commencing a significant two-day official visit to India. The high-profile trip, which extends until January 13, is being conducted at the personal invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and represents Chancellor Merz's first official journey to the nation.
Ahmedabad Itinerary: From Sabarmati Ashram to Kite Festival
The core of the visit is centered in Gujarat. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet Chancellor Merz in Ahmedabad today. The leaders will embark on a symbolic visit to the historic Sabarmati Ashram at around 9:30 am, followed by participation in the vibrant International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront at approximately 10 am. The formal bilateral engagements are set to commence from 11:15 am onwards at the Mahatma Mandir convention centre in Gandhinagar.
Deepening the India-Germany Strategic Partnership
The high-level meetings are poised to conduct a comprehensive review of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which recently marked its 25th anniversary. Discussions will aim to intensify collaboration across a broad spectrum of critical areas. Key focus points include:
- Trade and Investment: Exploring new avenues for economic cooperation.
- Defence and Security: Advancing strategic and security dialogues.
- Technology & Innovation: Boosting partnerships in science, research, and digital domains.
- Sustainable Development: Enhancing cooperation in green energy and climate initiatives.
- People-to-People Ties: Strengthening links in education, skilling, and mobility.
Building on High-Level Momentum and EU Context
This visit builds upon the steady momentum from regular high-level exchanges between the two countries. The two leaders last met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, where they agreed to further broaden the bilateral partnership. During that interaction, PM Modi extended the invitation for this official visit.
The timing of Chancellor Merz's trip is also noteworthy, as it precedes the India-EU Summit scheduled for January 27. Highlighting the growing ties, German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann recently underscored the robust collaboration in defence and security, stating that the strategic partnership has significantly matured over the years.
This engagement underscores the continued importance both nations place on their multifaceted relationship, aiming to set a collaborative agenda for the future.
