PM Modi and German Chancellor Merz flew kites in Ahmedabad, participated in the kite festival

News Topical, Digital Desk : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz inaugurated the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. Merz also flew kites with Modi at the festival and was overwhelmed by the close observation of the ancient art and culture of Gujarat and India. Kite flyers from 50 countries around the world, including India, are participating in the kite festival.

German Chancellor Merz, who is on a two-day visit to India, accompanied Prime Minister Modi to the riverfront, where kite flyers from India and abroad welcomed them with colorful kites. The two leaders traveled in an open jeep, meeting with the kite flyers, and enjoying kite flying together.

Enjoyed the art and culture of Gujarat as well

Heritage mansions and Ahmedabad's pols (traditional neighborhoods) were created on the riverfront to give Marz a glimpse of Gujarat's art and culture. Sitting on the platforms outside the ancient houses, Marz experienced the lifestyle up close.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi were also present. The kite festival will continue until January 14. 936 kite flyers from various states across India and 135 international kite flyers from 50 countries are participating in the festival.

German Chancellor admires Gandhi's ideas

Accompanied by Prime Minister Modi, Merz also visited Mahatma Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram. The two leaders paid tribute to Gandhi by laying a wreath at his statue. Merz wrote this message in the Ashram's visitor's diary, describing Gandhiji's ideas as more timeless in the present times.

Traveling in a car together

After their engagements in Gujarat, Modi and Merz traveled together in the same car. Prime Minister Modi even posted a photo of himself and Merz inside the car on Instagram to demonstrate the strength of bilateral ties. Recently, during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India, the two leaders also traveled in the same car.

It is worth noting that heads of state from various countries have visited India over the past decade, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump, the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

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