Modi gifts handkerchief tree sapling to King Charles III, shares masala chai with Starmer at Chequers

By Anjali Sharma

WSASHINGTON – India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart, Keir Starmer on Thursday shared a cup of ‘Brewed Masala Chai’ at Chequers Indian sources quoted in media.

Modi, who is on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met King Charles III at Sandringham House on Thursday.

He gifted the British royal a sapling of the Sonoma Dove Tree, also known as the Handkerchief Tree.

In a post on X, the British Royal Family said, “This afternoon, The King received the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Narendra Modi, at Sandringham House. During their time together, His Majesty was given a tree to be planted this Autumn, inspired by the environmental initiative launched by the Prime Minister, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, which encourages people to plant a tree in tribute to their mothers.”

The sapling Modi gifted to King Charles III is an ornamental tree known for its early and abundant flowering. ‘Sonoma’ is a precocious cultivar that typically begins flowering within 2 to 3 years of planting.

Its most striking feature is the pair of large, fluttering white bracts that resemble handkerchiefs or doves suspended from the branches, offering a spectacular visual display in late spring.

Modi also met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the official country residence of the UK Prime Minister.

The two leaders shared a cup of ‘Brewed Masala Chai’ sourced from India.

“‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers brewing stronger India-UK ties!,” Modi posted on X, along with photographs from the meeting.

They interacted with young players from the Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs at Chequers.

India and the Great Britain signed a highly-anticipated Free Trade Agreement to enhance bilateral trade by nearly $34 billion annually.

The deal was formalized in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

It marks India’s most comprehensive trade pact to date, eliminating duties on 99% of Indian exports to the UK, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, leather goods, agricultural products, and chemicals.

UK, the FTA unlocks reduced tariffs and wider access for key exports like whisky, automobiles, and financial services.

“I think we understand each other well”: UK PM Starmer, PM Modi share light moment at joint presser

Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer shared a light moment during their joint press statement on Thursday, as the two leaders addressed the media after the talks in London.

Modi, in a candid remark, said, “Don’t bother, we can use English words in between. Don’t worry about it.”

Keir Starmer responded with a smile, saying, “I think we understand each other well.”

The friendly exchange set the tone for the rest of the interaction, where Prime Minister Modi used a cricket analogy to describe the India-UK partnership.

He said, “There may be a swing and a miss at times but we always play with a straight bat,” added that both countries are committed to building a high-scoring, solid partnership.
India and the UK signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the two leaders endorsed India-UK Vision 2035.

The Indian Test cricket team is on a visit to England, and the series is seeing an intense struggle between bat and ball.

“I would be remiss not to mention cricket when India and the UK are coming together, especially during a Test series. For both of us cricket is not just a game but a passion. And also, a great metaphor for our partnership,” PM Modi said.

“There may be a swing and a miss at times. But we always play with a straight bat. We are committed to building a high scoring solid partnership. The agreements concluded today, along with our Vision 2035, are milestones that carry forward this very spirit,” he added.

“I am pleased that, after years of dedicated efforts, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between our two countries has been concluded today. This agreement is more than just an economic partnership; it is also a blueprint for shared prosperity. On the one hand, it paves the way for enhanced market access in the UK for Indian textiles, footwear, gems and jewellery, seafood, and engineering goods,” he said.

“It will also unlock new opportunities for India’s agricultural produce and processed food industry. Above all, this agreement will be especially beneficial for India’s youth, farmers, fishermen, and the MSME sector. On the other hand, UK-made products such as medical devices and aerospace components will become more accessible and affordable for Indian consumers and industries,” he added.

PM Modi said that alongside the trade agreement, a consensus has also been reached on the Double Contribution Convention.

“This will inject new momentum into the service sectors of both countries, particularly in technology and finance. It will enhance the ease of doing business, reduce operational costs, and boost confidence of doing business. Additionally, the UK economy will benefit from access to skilled Indian talent,” he said.

“These agreements will boost bilateral investment and generate new employment opportunities in both countries. Moreover, these agreements between two vibrant democracies and major global economies, will also contribute to strengthening global stability and shared prosperity,” he added.