Modi to host German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Gujarat: Kite Festival, Sabarmati Visit and crucial talks on defence, trade

Chancellor Merz will be on an official visit to India from January 12 to 13, following an invitation from Prime Minister Modi. This will mark his first official visit to India since assuming office.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two leaders will begin their engagements on January 12 at around 9:30 am with a visit to Sabarmati Ashram, followed by participation in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront at approximately 10 am.

Formal bilateral talks will take place from 11:15 am onwards at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

“The discussions will focus on further strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility, while also advancing collaboration in defence and security, science, innovation and research, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people ties,” the PMO said.

The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global issues and interact with business and industry leaders from both countries, the statement added.

Modi’s Gujarat visit

Prime Minister Modi will be on a three-day visit to Gujarat from January 10 to 12, beginning with his arrival in Somnath on January 10.

According to the official programme, the Prime Minister will participate in Omkar Mantra chanting and later witness a drone show at the Somnath Temple.

On January 11, at around 9:45 am, Modi will take part in the Shaurya Yatra, a ceremonial procession honouring warriors who laid down their lives defending the Somnath Temple.

“At around 10:15 am, the Prime Minister will perform darshan and pooja at the Somnath Temple, followed by participation in a public function marking Somnath Swabhiman Parv at around 11 am,” the statement said.

Later in the day, Modi will travel to Rajkot to attend the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for the Kutch and Saurashtra region. At around 1:30 pm, he will inaugurate the trade show and exhibition, followed by the inauguration of the conference at 2 pm at Marwadi University, where he will also address the gathering.

From Rajkot, the Prime Minister will proceed to Ahmedabad, where at around 5:15 pm, he will inaugurate the remaining stretch of Phase 2 of the Ahmedabad Metro, connecting Sector 10A to Mahatma Mandir, at the Mahatma Mandir Metro Station.