Earlier, PM Modi and his British counterpart, Keir Starmer shared a cup of ‘Brewed Masala Chai’ sourced from India at Chequers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met King Charles III at Sandringham House on Thursday. During the meeting, PM Modi 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.”
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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.
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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.
Earlier in the day, PM 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.
‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers…brewing stronger India-UK ties! @Keir_Starmer pic.x.com/sY1OZFa6gL
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025
The two leaders also interacted with young players from the Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs at Chequers.
Duirng Modi’s visit, India and the United Kingdom m signed a highly-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aimed at enhancing bilateral trade by nearly $34 billion annually.
The deal was formalised in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
This 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. For the UK, the FTA unlocks reduced tariffs and wider access for key exports like whisky, automobiles, and financial services.
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