Overview Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad on Monday, January 12, 2026 . This marks Mr. Merz's first official visit to India , highlighting the importance of the India-Germany strategic partnership. Key Developments Bilateral Engagements Visit to Sabarmati Ashram: The two leaders will visit the Sabarmati Ashram , a site of historical significance related to Mahatma Gandhi and India's independence movement. International Kite Festival: They will participate in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront , showcasing Indian culture. Meeting at Mahatma Mandir: Bilateral discussions will take place at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar , focusing on strengthening the strategic partnership. Strategic Partnership 25th Anniversary: The India-Germany Strategic Partnership recently completed 25 years , indicating a long-standing relationship. Areas of Cooperation: Discussions will cover trade, investment, technology, education, skilling, mobility, defence, security, science, innovation, research, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people ties. Regional and Global Issues: The leaders will exchange views on issues of regional and global importance and engage with business and industry leaders. UPSC Relevance This event is relevant to GS Paper 2 (International Relations) and GS Paper 3 (Economy, Science & Technology, Environment) . Understanding the dynamics of the India-Germany partnership is crucial for analyzing India's foreign policy and its impact on various sectors. Potential UPSC Questions Analyze the key areas of cooperation between India and Germany and their significance for India's development. Evaluate the role of strategic partnerships in India's foreign policy and their impact on regional and global issues. Discuss the importance of cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties in strengthening bilateral relations. Important Facts Date: January 12, 2026 Location: Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar Participants: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Focus: Strengthening the India-Germany Strategic Partnership