PM Modi hosts Chancellor Merz at Sabarmati Ashram, recalls Gandhi’s global legacy

The two leaders also visited Hriday Kunj, Gandhi’s residence within the Ashram, and observed the spinning of the charkha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday, visited the historic Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad along with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, recalling the enduring global influence of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals.

Sharing details of the visit on X, PM Modi said the Ashram remained a living symbol of Gandhiji’s principles.

“Sabarmati Ashram stands as a powerful reminder of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals which have given strength to countless people around the world,” the Prime Minister said. He added, “In Ahmedabad this morning, went to Sabarmati Ashram with the Chancellor of Germany, Mr. Friedrich Merz.”

Sabarmati Ashram stands as a powerful reminder of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals which have given strength to countless people around the world.

In Ahmedabad this morning, went to Sabarmati Ashram with the Chancellor of Germany, Mr. Friedrich Merz.@bundeskanzler@_FriedrichMerzpic.twitter.com/slYTP0Epvn — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 12, 2026

During the visit, PM Modi and Merz offered floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue and paid homage at the Ashram, situated on the banks of the Sabarmati river. According to a release from the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office, the two leaders also visited Hriday Kunj, Gandhi’s residence within the Ashram, and observed the spinning of the charkha.

The release said that during the visit, both leaders expressed deep respect for Gandhiji’s “simple way of life”, his emphasis on “self-reliance”, and his values of “truth and non-violence”.

Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Secretary MK Das, Sabarmati Ashram chairperson Kartikeya Sarabhai, Chairman of the Sabarmati Ashram Redevelopment Committee I.P. Gautam, Ahmedabad Collector Sujeet Kumar, members of the German delegation, and eminent personalities associated with the Ashram.

Chancellor Merz is on a two-day official visit to India, his first since assuming office. The visit is aimed at building on regular high-level political engagements and reaffirming India and Germany’s “shared vision to develop a forward-looking partnership for the benefit of both countries and the wider global community”.

According to the schedule, Merz is set to visit Bosch and the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) on January 13 before departing for Germany.