German Chancellor Merz begins heartfelt first state visit India
Merz meets Prime Minister Modi on his first India visit, as hopes rise ahead of the long-awaited India-EU trade deal.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first official visit to India unfolded with a blend of diplomacy, history and warmth, as he spent time alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat on Monday. The visit, closely watched in both Berlin and New Delhi, highlighted not just political engagement but also cultural connection and symbolic gestures that reflected the evolving relationship between India and Germany.
The day began on a reflective note at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi during India’s freedom struggle. Walking through the quiet pathways of the ashram with Prime Minister Modi, Chancellor Merz was introduced to a place that holds deep emotional and historical significance for millions of Indians. Gandhi, revered as the “Father of the Nation,” lived here while shaping movements that challenged British colonial rule through non-violence, self-discipline and moral strength.
Merz was seen carefully touring the modest rooms of the ashram, pausing to observe photographs and artefacts that tell the story of Gandhi’s life and philosophy. One of the most symbolic moments came when the German chancellor viewed the iconic spinning wheel, or charkha, which Gandhi used to spin his own cloth. The charkha has long represented India’s push for self-reliance and dignity during colonial times, values that still resonate strongly in the country’s political narrative today. Merz also signed the ashram’s guestbook, a quiet gesture that acknowledged the global influence of Gandhi’s ideals.
From the solemn atmosphere of the ashram, the visit soon shifted to a lighter, more celebratory setting at the Sabarmati riverfront. Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Modi attended the International Kite Festival, an event deeply rooted in local culture and popular across Gujarat. The festival, known for filling the sky with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes, offered a moment of informal bonding between the two leaders.
Videos and photographs of Prime Minister Modi flying a kite alongside Chancellor Merz quickly circulated on social media, drawing attention for their relaxed and cheerful tone. The images stood in contrast to the formality often associated with high-level state visits. Observers noted that the moment underscored India’s effort to showcase not just its political priorities but also its cultural vibrancy and hospitality. For Merz, the festival provided a glimpse into everyday Indian traditions that go beyond official meeting rooms and press statements.
DW’s Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner, accompanying the German delegation, reported from the site that the atmosphere was notably warm. According to her observations, the informal interactions appeared to set a positive tone ahead of the more serious bilateral discussions scheduled later in the day. Such moments, while symbolic, often play a subtle role in building personal rapport between leaders, something diplomats consider valuable in long-term partnerships.
Following the cultural engagements, Merz and Modi were scheduled to hold formal bilateral talks, focusing on strengthening cooperation across trade, technology, climate policy and global security. The timing of the visit is particularly significant, coming just weeks ahead of plans to finalize a long-awaited free trade agreement between India and the European Union. Germany, as one of the EU’s largest economies, is expected to play a key role in pushing the deal forward.
After their talks, the two leaders are set to address the media at a joint press conference, where they are likely to outline shared priorities and signal the future direction of India-Germany relations. For Chancellor Merz, the visit marks an important step in defining his foreign policy approach toward Asia. For Prime Minister Modi, it reinforces India’s message that it seeks deeper engagement with Europe, grounded not only in economics but also in shared democratic values and people-to-people connections.
As the day’s events showed, diplomacy can be both serious and human. From spinning wheels to flying kites, Merz’s India visit offered moments that combined history, culture and politics, leaving a strong impression ahead of crucial discussions still to come.