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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz touched down at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad early on January 12, 2026, beginning his first official visit to India and his inaugural Asia trip as Chancellor. He received a warm reception from Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and other officials, coinciding with 75 years of India-Germany diplomatic ties and 25 years of strategic partnership.
The two-day itinerary (January 12–13) starts in Gujarat with cultural engagements before high-level talks in New Delhi. A large German business delegation accompanies Merz to boost cooperation in green tech, manufacturing, education, defence, and clean energy.
Cultural Diplomacy at Its Peak
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Chancellor Merz at Sabarmati Ashram, where both paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, observed charkha spinning, and signed the visitors’ book. Merz noted that Gandhi’s teachings are needed “more than ever” in today’s world.
The leaders then jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2026 at Sabarmati Riverfront, flying colorful kites—including one depicting Lord Hanuman—amid thousands of participants from 50 countries and vibrant displays blending Indian and German motifs.
Economic and Strategic Focus
Talks center on elevating bilateral trade (~€24 billion), advancing India-EU FTA negotiations, education roadmap (including German university campuses in India), supply-chain resilience, and global issues like climate and Indo-Pacific stability.
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Ariha Shah Case Remains in Spotlight
Activists continue pressing for the repatriation of five-year-old Ariha Shah, held in German foster care since 2021 despite cleared allegations against parents Dhara and Bhavesh Shah in 2022. The Save Ariha Team urges diplomatic intervention during this visit to reunite her with family in India, citing cultural and child rights concerns.
#WATCH | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | On the issue of Ariha Shah, an Indian girl child who has been in German foster care for 40 months, member of the Save Ariha Team, Henil Visariya says, "... 4 years ago, due to some misunderstandings, German authorities took custody of Ariha Shah and alleged that her mother and father were not capable of taking care of the child... Later on, the German authorities, police, and court gave a clean chit to all the allegations against their parents. But for the last four years, her custody has not been given to her parents. She is living in German foster care, where a German family is taking care of her... We request that the German authorities and the Indian government bring her back to her homeland..." (11.01)
— ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2026
German Chancellor Merz pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram alongside PM Modi, as activists urge action on child custody case involving Indian-origin girl Ariha. High-level discussions on trade and skills ahead. #ModiMerzMeet
— Niranjan Choudhary (@Niranjankrchy1) January 12, 2026
Delegation-level talks at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar follow, with a joint press statement expected. The visit strengthens India’s key role as a partner for Germany in a dynamic global landscape.
