PM Modi concludes three-day Gujarat visit after series of high-profile engagements
Gandhinagar, January 12
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday concluded his three-day visit to Gujarat and arrived in New Delhi, marking the end of a packed schedule that included cultural, diplomatic and commemorative engagements.
The Prime Minister was given a warm farewell at the airport by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and several other senior leaders and officials.
A key highlight of the visit was Prime Minister Modi's engagements with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is on a two-day official visit to India, according to the release. The two leaders were seen sharing a car ride following their programmes in Gujarat, underlining the cordial personal rapport and strengthening India-Germany bilateral ties. Prime Minister Modi later shared a photograph from the car ride on the social media platform X, describing it as a reflection of the growing partnership between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz also jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival (IKF) 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. Chancellor Merz attended the event as the Chief Guest, and the two leaders symbolically flew kites to mark the occasion, highlighting cultural exchange and diplomatic friendship.
Earlier, on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi participated in the 'Shaurya Yatra' at Somnath as part of the Somnath Swabhiman Parv. The four-day national commemoration, held from January 8 to January 11, marked 1,000 years of resilience and unbroken faith since the first recorded attack on the Somnath Temple in 1026. The symbolic procession, which included 108 horses from the Gujarat Police Mounted Unit, paid tribute to courage, sacrifice and the enduring spirit associated with the historic temple.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Shaurya Yatra at Somnath is so important. Remembering our history and the resilience of our faith for 1000 years gives a powerful message. It's more than politics; it's about our identity.
Good to see high-level engagements, but I hope such visits also translate into concrete benefits for the common people of Gujarat. Jobs, infrastructure, and controlling inflation should remain the top focus.
The car ride photo-op was a smart move. It shows a personal connection beyond formal meetings. Germany is a key partner for India's green energy and tech goals. This is positive diplomacy.
Flying kites with a world leader! Only in India. 😄 It's such a simple, joyful way to break the ice and share something uniquely Indian. Hope the German Chancellor enjoyed the festival!
The schedule does seem packed with symbolism and photo-ops. While cultural pride is important, I wish the media coverage also detailed the substantive outcomes of the meeting with Chancellor Merz regarding trade or technology transfers.
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