{"id":"f-86c21c4f86-9b0afec1-c86f-5975-a287-9c1dbc4501af","title":"PM Modi car-pools with Germany's Merz in Ahmedabad ahead of talks","description":"Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a car with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad, an uncommon gesture highlighting the growing depth of India–Germany ties during their visit to the Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram.","timestamp":1768223649,"category":"national_v_two","headline":"PM Modi car-pools with Germany's Merz in Ahmedabad ahead of talks","modifiedHeadline":"Modi Carpools with German Leader Before Talks","subCategories":["scid_f9e06305"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"5e2bd5f6-2774-47af-88d8-7b16e80ba1d2","bundleTitle":"PM Modi Updates","cardData":null},"iabCategoryId":"386","fcSummary":"Prime Minister Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signaled deepening India-Germany relations with a car ride in Ahmedabad and a visit to Sabarmati Ashram. Agreements were signed, focusing on security and education, marking Merz's first Asia visit as Chancellor.","summary":"PM Modi and German Chancellor Merz shared a car in Ahmedabad, symbolizing deepening India-Germany ties with visit to Gandhi Ashram.","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/news/IN/en/firstpost/f-86c21c4f86-9b0afec1-c86f-5975-a287-9c1dbc4501af","sourceUrl":"https://www.firstpost.com/india/pm-modi-car-pools-with-germanys-merz-in-ahmedabad-ahead-of-talks-13967905.html","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/pTia3DUL7Hk0.webp","content":"A defining moment of diplomatic symbolism unfolded in Ahmedabad on Monday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled in the same car with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, setting the tone for a day of engagements that highlighted the expanding depth of India–Germany relations.\n\n
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\n It is uncommon for the Prime Minister to share a vehicle with a foreign dignitary, a gesture reflecting what is often described as PM Modi’s personal style of diplomacy.\n
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\n PM Modi took to X to share a post as they jointly visited the historic Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad.\n
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Die Freundschaft zwischen Indien und Deutschland wächst durch gemeinsame Werte, umfangreiche Zusammenarbeit und gegenseitiges Verständnis immer weiter.@bundeskanzler @_FriedrichMerz pic.twitter.com/9LGVJU4UfR
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\n — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 12, 2026\n

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First Asia Visit for German Chancellor

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\n Chancellor Merz arrived in Ahmedabad early Monday on a two-day visit to India, marking his first trip to Asia since assuming office as German Chancellor. The visit reflects Berlin’s intent to strengthen its strategic and sectoral engagement with New Delhi.\n\n
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\n According to the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office, the two leaders offered floral tributes and visited Hriday Kunj, Mahatma Gandhi’s residence, where they observed the charkha-spinning process.\n
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\n Chancellor Merz also signed the visitor’s book during the visit. The engagement concluded with both leaders participating in the International Kite Festival, adding a cultural dimension to the high-level diplomatic interaction.\n
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MoUs signed, security ties in focus

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\n Earlier in the day, India and Germany signed a series of memorandums of understanding in Gandhinagar, marking another step forward in bilateral cooperation. The agreements span multiple sectors and reflect the expanding scope of the strategic partnership.\n\n
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\n Speaking alongside Prime Minister Modi, Chancellor Merz said Germany was keen to deepen security cooperation with India, noting that closer ties could help New Delhi diversify its defence and strategic partnerships.\n
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Education roadmap Firmed Up

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\n India and Germany on Monday firmed up a comprehensive roadmap to expand cooperation in the education sector, giving fresh momentum to bilateral ties. The agreement followed wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz aimed at expanding the overall trajectory of engagement between the two countries.\n\n
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\n “Today’s comprehensive roadmap on higher education will give a new direction to our partnership in the field of education,” PM Modi said in his media statement.","readDurationInMinutes":"4","author":{"name":"Firstpost","logo":"https://glance-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/bubble/png/28d65284-7c7e-4e74-a1da-84b4daef1e4c.jpeg"},"ism":false,"analyticsResponses":[{"measurementId":"DUMMy","type":"GA"}],"pointerSummary":["Modi, Merz shared car, visited Gandhi Ashram, highlighting India-Germany ties.","Merz's first Asia trip signals Berlin's intent to strengthen strategic engagement.","MoUs signed, education roadmap firmed up, deepening security cooperation discussed."],"tags":["NarendraModi","FriedrichMerz","IndiaGermanyRelations","Ahmedabad","Diplomacy","SabarmatiGandhiAshram","InternationalKiteFestival","MoUs","SecurityCooperation","EducationRoadmap","StrategicPartnership","Gujarat","AsiaVisit","GermanChancellor","BilateralCooperation"],"consent":true,"redirectionEnabled":false}

PM Modi car-pools with Germany's Merz in Ahmedabad ahead of talks

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