After the successful signing of the free trade agreement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer waited for a cup of steaming masala tea on the terrace of Chequers, the 16th-century country retreat of British prime ministers
PM Modi concluded his official visit to the United Kingdom, saying that the outcome of “this visit will benefit our future generations and contribute to shared growth and prosperity”.
‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers…brewing stronger India-UK ties! @Keir_Starmer pic.twitter.com/sY1OZFa6gL
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025
“Chai Pe Charcha with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers… brewing stronger India-UK ties!” Modi wrote on X, nodding to his signature tea diplomacy — a move that dates back to his early political years.
Here are some highlights from PM Modi’s earlier ‘Chai Pe Charcha’ moments
In 2024, PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron enjoyed a cup of kulhad chai from Jaipur’s Sahu chaiwala in front of Hawa Mahal. Modi also showcased India’s digital payment system by paying via UPI.
In 2018, during the Wuhan Summit, PM and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen riding on a houseboat and chatting over tea and as well as after a walk along East Lake in Wuhan.
In 2015, when former United States President Barack Obama visited India, PM Modi engaged his US counterpart with his trademark ‘chai pe charcha’. He personally poured a cup of tea at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi.