Ahmedabad

On his first official visit to India, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram, calling the Father of the Nation’s teachings “more needed today than ever” and highlighting how Gandhi’s legacy unites India and Germany.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Chancellor Merz at the ashram, and together they offered floral tributes at Gandhi’s statue before visiting ‘Hriday Kunj’, the room where Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba lived during India’s freedom struggle. Merz also observed the traditional weaving of khadi yarn using the charkha, symbolizing Gandhi’s campaign for self-reliance.

In the visitors’ book, Merz wrote: “Mahatma Gandhi’s unshakeable belief in freedom and the dignity of each individual inspires us to this day. This legacy unites Indians and Germans as friends in a world that more than ever needs Gandhi’s teachings.”

Sabarmati Ashram, established in 1917, was home to Gandhi until 1930 and served as a key center of India’s struggle for independence.

Following the ashram visit, the leaders moved to the Sabarmati Riverfront for the inauguration of the International Kite Festival-2026. PM Modi and Chancellor Merz interacted with women artisans, learned about kite-making, and took part in kite flying from an open vehicle ride.

The three-day festival, which runs until January 14, is held annually ahead of Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) and celebrates the sun’s northward journey. This year, 135 international kite flyers from 50 countries and nearly 1,000 participants from across India are taking part.

According to a Gujarat government release, in the days leading up to the Ahmedabad event, kite enthusiasts visited cultural landmarks including Rajkot, Surat, Dholavira in Kutch, and the Statue of Unity. Last year, the festival attracted over 3.83 lakh visitors, while this year more than five lakh tourists are expected to attend.

The International Kite Festival is part of Gujarat Tourism’s efforts to promote the state’s cultural and tourist destinations and encourage domestic and international visitors to explore its heritage sites.