Skies Over Sabarmati Fill with Colors as India and Germany Celebrate Unity
Ahmedabad witnessed a spectacular fusion of culture and diplomacy on Monday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2026. Held at the picturesque Sabarmati Riverfront, the event marked a colorful start to Chancellor Merz's first official visit to India since assuming office.
Visuals from the venue captured a lively atmosphere as both leaders engaged with participants and even tried their hand at flying kites, symbolizing the soaring ties between the two nations. This cultural engagement sets a warm tone for the diplomatic discussions scheduled during the Chancellor's two-day tour.
Celebrating Tradition and Global Participation
With the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti approaching, the festival has drawn significant global attention. Running through January 14, the event features a massive gathering of 135 international kite enthusiasts representing 50 different countries. They are joined by 65 flyers from various Indian states and 871 local participants from Gujarat, making the International Kite Festival 2026 a truly global spectacle.
Paying Homage to Mahatma Gandhi
Before the festivities began, Prime Minister Modi welcomed Chancellor Merz to the historic Sabarmati Ashram. In a solemn gesture, both leaders paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Chancellor Merz also signed the visitor's book, acknowledging the profound legacy of the site.
Strengthening Diplomatic Bonds
Chancellor Merz's visit is strategically significant, coinciding with 75 years of diplomatic relations and the silver jubilee of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. Following the cultural events, the leaders are set to hold bilateral engagements at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.
Discussions will review the progress of their strategic partnership, focusing on intensifying cooperation in trade, technology, defense, and green development. This visit follows their previous interaction at the G7 Summit in Canada, where they agreed to broaden bilateral ties. After his engagements in Gujarat, Chancellor Merz is scheduled to visit Bosch and CeNSE facilities on January 13 before departing for Germany.
