PM Modi, German Chancellor Merz pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the historic Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, marking the start of the German leader’s engagements in Gujarat.The two leaders visited the ashram in the morning and offered tributes to the Father of the Nation. Sabarmati Ashram, also known as Gandhi Ashram, was established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917 and served as his residence until 1930. It played a pivotal role in India’s freedom movement and remains a symbol of Gandhian values of truth, non-violence and self-reliance.

After the homage, Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz proceeded to the Sabarmati Riverfront, where they inaugurated the International Kite Festival, a major cultural event showcasing India’s traditional art and attracting participants from across the world.The visit will be followed by bilateral engagements at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar. During the meetings, the two leaders are expected to review progress in the India-Germany strategic partnership, which recently completed 25 years.In the evening, Prime Minister Modi will join delegation-level talks between India and Germany at Mahatma Mandir, officials said. The discussions will culminate in a joint press statement by the two leaders.According to the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz will also interact with business and industry leaders and exchange views on key regional and global issues, reflecting the broad-based and forward-looking nature of the India-Germany partnership.Their discussion will also focus on further intensifying cooperation in trade and investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility, while advancing collaboration in key areas of defence and security, science, innovation and research, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people ties.

(State Correspondent)