Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, marking the German leader’s first official visit to India since assuming office.

Upon arrival at the Ashram, the two leaders paid floral tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and Merz signed the visitors’ book.

Both leaders later participated in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront, underscoring the cultural outreach and people-to-people connect during the German Chancellor’s visit.

Merz is on a two-day official visit to India from January 12 to 13, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. The visit coincides with celebrations marking 75 years of India-Germany diplomatic relations and 25 years of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.