A new picture of India-Germany friendship: PM Modi and Chancellor’s car diplomacy draws attention; visit begins from Gujarat

Gandhinagar (The Uttam Hindu): A fresh example of growing warmth in India-Germany relations has come to the fore with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sharing what is being described as “car diplomacy.” The image of the two leaders together has sparked discussion in diplomatic circles, reflecting not only strong bilateral ties but also personal rapport between Prime Minister Modi and the German Chancellor. The informal interaction is being seen as giving a new dimension to relations between the two countries.

German Chancellor Merz, on his first official visit to India, was welcomed in Prime Minister Modi’s home state of Gujarat. Before formal meetings, Prime Minister Modi introduced the Chancellor to various aspects of India’s rich cultural heritage. The visit began with a stop at the Sabarmati Ashram, where Chancellor Merz paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He described Gandhian values as highly relevant and necessary in the current global context.

After the cultural engagements, trade and economic cooperation remained at the core of discussions. Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz held an important meeting with leading industrialists and chief executive officers of major companies from both countries. During the interaction, both leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and expanding economic cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the growing confidence of German companies in India, noting that nearly 2,000 German firms are currently operating across the country. This, he said, reflects trust in India’s economic environment. Both leaders also emphasized the need to enhance cooperation in technology, manufacturing, and innovation in the coming years.