Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday underscored the growing warmth in India-Germany relations as they jointly visited the historic Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad,
sharing a car ride from the iconic site and paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
According to the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office, the two leaders offered floral tributes at the ashram and visited Hriday Kunj, Mahatma Gandhi’s residence, where they observed the charkha-spinning process.
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 touch to the high-level diplomatic interaction.
Sharing moments from the visit on social media, Prime Minister Modi said the bond between the two countries continues to strengthen. “The friendship between India and Germany continues to grow through shared values, extensive cooperation and mutual understanding,” he said.
The friendship between India and Germany continues to grow through shared values, extensive cooperation and mutual understanding@bundeskanzler@_FriedrichMerz pic.twitter.com/MUZxMog33T
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 12, 2026
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 between the two nations.
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.
His remarks come as both countries look to broaden collaboration in defence, technology and supply chains.
At the India-Germany CEOs Forum, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the depth of the relationship, noting that the two nations are marking 75 years of diplomatic ties and 25 years of strategic partnership.
He said the partnership is rooted in shared democratic values and mutual trust, with growing cooperation across manufacturing, technology and research.
PM Modi pointed to strong collaboration between Indian MSMEs and Germany’s Mittelstand, expanding ties in IT and services, and joint ventures in sectors such as automotive, energy, machinery and chemicals.
These linkages, he said, have helped boost bilateral trade, which has now crossed the USD 50 billion mark.
