PM Modi car-pools with Germany's Merz in Ahmedabad ahead of talks – Firstpost

A defining moment of diplomatic symbolism unfolded in Ahmedabad on Monday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled in the same car with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, setting the tone for a day of engagements that highlighted the expanding depth of India–Germany relations.

It is uncommon for the Prime Minister to share a vehicle with a foreign dignitary, a gesture reflecting what is often described as PM Modi’s personal style of diplomacy.

PM Modi took to X to share a post as they jointly visited the historic Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad.

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Die Freundschaft zwischen Indien und Deutschland wächst durch gemeinsame Werte, umfangreiche Zusammenarbeit und gegenseitiges Verständnis immer weiter.@bundeskanzler@_FriedrichMerz pic.twitter.com/9LGVJU4UfR

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 12, 2026More from India Germany's Friedrich Merz in India: What will be the focus of this visit? PM Modi meets Indian AI innovators as focus shifts to ethical, indigenous models

First Asia Visit for German Chancellor

Chancellor Merz arrived in Ahmedabad early Monday on a two-day visit to India, marking his first trip to Asia since assuming office as German Chancellor. The visit reflects Berlin’s intent to strengthen its strategic and sectoral engagement with New Delhi.

According to the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office, the two leaders offered floral tributes and visited Hriday Kunj, Mahatma Gandhi’s residence, where they observed the charkha-spinning process.

Chancellor Merz also signed the visitor’s book during the visit. The engagement concluded with both leaders participating in the International Kite Festival, adding a cultural dimension to the high-level diplomatic interaction.

MoUs signed, security ties in focus

Earlier in the day, India and Germany signed a series of memorandums of understanding in Gandhinagar, marking another step forward in bilateral cooperation. The agreements span multiple sectors and reflect the expanding scope of the strategic partnership.

Speaking alongside Prime Minister Modi, Chancellor Merz mentioned Germany was keen to deepen security cooperation with India, noting that closer ties could aid New Delhi diversify its defence and strategic partnerships.

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Education roadmap Firmed Up

India and Germany on Monday firmed up a comprehensive roadmap to expand cooperation in the education sector, giving fresh momentum to bilateral ties. The agreement followed wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz aimed at expanding the overall trajectory of engagement between the two countries.

“Today’s comprehensive roadmap on higher education will give a new direction to our partnership in the field of education,” PM Modi declared in his media statement.

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