PM Modi Concludes Gujarat Visit with Merz, Kite Festival & Somnath Tribute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his three-day visit to Gujarat, departing from Ahmedabad for Delhi. A key diplomatic highlight was his engagements with visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, including a joint car ride and co-inaugurating the International Kite Festival. Modi also participated in the 'Shaurya Yatra' at the Somnath Temple, commemorating 1,000 years of resilience since the temple's first recorded attack. The visit blended cultural, diplomatic, and commemorative events, underscoring both international partnerships and national heritage.

Key Points: PM Modi's Gujarat Visit: Diplomacy with Merz, Kite Fest, Somnath

  • Concluded 3-day Gujarat visit
  • Engagements with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
  • Jointly inaugurated International Kite Festival 2026
  • Led 'Shaurya Yatra' at Somnath Temple
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PM Modi concludes three-day Gujarat visit, departs for Delhi after series of high-profile engagements

PM Modi concludes Gujarat tour with German Chancellor Merz, inaugurates Kite Festival, leads Shaurya Yatra at Somnath temple, and departs for Delhi.

"a reflection of the growing partnership between the two nations - PM Narendra Modi on X"

Gandhinagar, January 12

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday concluded his three-day visit to Gujarat and departed for New Delhi from Ahmedabad Airport, 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

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The Somnath Shaurya Yatra is so significant. Remembering 1000 years of resilience is not just about history, it's about our cultural identity and spirit. Jai Somnath!
R
Rohit P
Good to see high-level engagements, but I hope such visits also translate into concrete benefits for the common Gujarati. More focus on local issues like water scarcity and job creation would be welcome.
S
Sarah B
The International Kite Festival as a diplomatic tool is brilliant! It's such a vibrant part of Gujarati culture. Sharing that with a global leader is a wonderful way to build bridges.
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Vikram M
PM's visits to Gujarat always have a special energy. From Somnath's spiritual significance to Ahmedabad's modern riverfront, it showcases the state's beautiful blend of tradition and progress.
K
Karthik V
The car ride photo op was smart. In today's world, personal equations between leaders matter a lot for trade and strategic talks. Hope the Germany visit brings in more investment for 'Make in India'.

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