Mahatma Gandhi‘s legacy unites Indians and Germans as friends and his teachings are “more needed today than ever”, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday. He was speaking as he visited Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad with PM Narendra Modi and paid homage to Gandhi. “Mahatma Gandhi’s unshakeable belief in the power of freedom and dignity of each and every individual inspires us to this day. This human legacy unites Indians and Germans as friends…” Merz wrote in a note in the ashram visitors’ book. PM Modi recalled in a post on X later the enduring global influence of Gandhi’s ideals, saying they “have given strength to countless people around the world”.