– PM Modi met King Charles III at Sandringham, gifting a tree sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative.
– India and the UK signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), aiming to boost bilateral trade to new heights.
– Modi also engaged with business leaders, celebrated cricket ties, and praised the UK’s football culture during his visit.
A Royal Meeting with an Environmental Message
During his visit to the UK, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met King Charles III at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, presenting a tree sapling as part of his ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ environmental campaign. The initiative, which encourages tree planting as a tribute to mothers, was lauded by the King, who shares a long-standing passion for sustainability. The sapling, identified as Davidia involucrata ‘Sonoma’—popularly known as the handkerchief tree—will be planted on the estate during the autumn season.
PM Modi said the discussions with the King touched upon a range of issues, including the India-UK relationship, yoga, Ayurveda, and the pressing challenges of environmental protection. “His Majesty is very passionate about wellness and sustainability, and our conversation reflected these shared concerns,” Modi noted on X (formerly Twitter).
King Charles III joined India’s global green initiative, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and planted a sapling with PM Modi at Sandringham House, UK. 🪴 pic.twitter.com/uoLLPdci8E
— BJP (@BJP4India) July 25, 2025
India-UK CETA: A Milestone in Trade Relations
The highlight of the visit was the formal signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between India and the UK. The agreement seeks to slash tariffs, open new sectors for investment, and double bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030.
Speaking after wide-ranging talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, Modi emphasized the growing economic ties: “With the signing of CETA, these linkages will rise manifold,” he said. The pact also includes progressive chapters on innovation, services, and government procurement, making it India’s first major trade agreement with a developed economy in over a decade.
Business leaders from both nations attended a joint economic session at Chequers, where Modi underlined India’s expanding market and growing demand for British goods, from premium automobiles to Scotch whisky.
Sports, Culture, and People-to-People Bonds
Beyond formal diplomacy, Modi highlighted the cultural and sporting links between India and the UK. He interacted with players from Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs, describing cricket as a “shared passion that binds our nations.” He also presented a bat signed by India’s T20 World Cup-winning team to the young cricketers.
The Prime Minister admired a Premier League trophy, noting the popularity of British football clubs among India’s youth. “Football is widely admired among Indian youngsters, and this cultural connection continues to grow,” he said.
A Stronger India-UK Partnership
PM Modi’s UK visit not only signaled a breakthrough in trade but also strengthened diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between the two countries. The personal rapport with King Charles III, coupled with the CETA signing, underscores India’s strategic emphasis on global partnerships post-pandemic.
As Modi departs for the Maldives to participate as the Guest of Honour at its Independence Day celebrations, the India-UK visit is being hailed as a diplomatic and economic milestone that sets the tone for future collaborations.
