Kite diplomacy in Ahmedabad: Modi, German Chancellor share rare moment

Visuals showed the two leaders flying an “Operation Sindoor”-themed kite, according to The Indian Express.

A kite featuring Lord Hanuman, inspired by Indian cultural motifs, was also flown during the event.

Chancellor Merz is on his first visit to India since assuming office and is currently in the country for a two-day official tour.

Ahead of their participation in the International Kite Festival, Prime Minister Modi welcomed the German leader to the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, where both leaders paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

During their visit to Gandhi’s residence at the ashram, Hriday Kunj, Modi and Merz observed the traditional process of weaving khadi, underscoring India’s heritage of self-reliance and sustainability.

In a joint statement, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the growing strength of India-Germany relations, emphasising the importance of economic collaboration.

“Close collaboration between economies like those of India and Germany is crucial for the entire world. Growing trade and investment ties have injected new energy into our strategic partnership,” Modi said.

He noted that bilateral trade between the two countries has reached an all-time high, crossing the $50 billion mark, and pointed out that more than 2,000 German companies have a long-standing presence in India.

Modi also said the two leaders discussed key global challenges, including the situations in Gaza and Ukraine.

“India has always advocated the peaceful resolution of all problems and disputes and supports all efforts in this direction. We agree that terrorism is a serious threat to all of humanity. India and Germany will continue to fight it together with full determination,” he said.