Ahmedabad, January 12 (IANS). Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday participated in the ‘International Kite Festival’ at Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz were given a warm welcome upon reaching the venue. As a welcome gesture they were given traditional Gujarati scarves. Artists from different parts of the state welcomed the German Chancellor by presenting traditional dance forms and folk music and made the occasion memorable.
Both the Indian Prime Minister and the German Chancellor enjoyed the festivities by flying kites.
The Prime Minister was seen flying a specially designed kite with the message ‘Bharat – Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, which reflects India’s vision of considering the world as one family. Some kites also had designs of the tricolor, Hindu gods and goddesses, and the two leaders.
A huge crowd gathered on the river bank to get a glimpse of the two leaders. Many people were seen waving Indian and German national flags, reflecting the long-standing friendship and growing partnership between the two countries.
During this, the Prime Minister was also seen explaining to the German Chancellor the importance of decorations, customs and traditions associated with the grand celebration of Uttarayan.
PM Modi and German Chancellor Merz interacted with many international participants who had come to Gujarat to participate in the festival.
Chancellor Merz reached Ahmedabad on Monday morning to further strengthen the mutual relations between India and Germany.
Ahead of the Kite Festival, PM Modi and Chancellor Marge visited Sabarmati Ashram to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, where they visited an exhibition showcasing Gandhi’s life and legacy. The German Chancellor wrote his feelings in the visitors’ book.
Both the leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Center in Gandhinagar, in which talks are expected to increase cooperation in different areas. The two leaders will also share their views on regional and global issues, and also meet business and industry leaders from India and Germany. The India-Germany strategic partnership recently completed 25 years.
The Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement, “The two leaders will review the progress made in the India-Germany strategic partnership, which recently completed 25 years. Their discussions will also focus on further enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, technology, education, and skills. They will also advance cooperation in key areas such as defense and security, science, innovation and research, green development, and people-to-people ties.”
The ‘International Kite Festival’ takes place every year in January on the occasion of Uttarayan in Gujarat. Uttarayan is a special time in the Hindu calendar that marks the northward movement of the sun and the beginning of the summer season. Apart from different states of India, people from all over the world reach Gujarat to enjoy this festival.
–IANS
PAK
