PM Modi Meets King Charles III; Gifts Dove Tree Sapling Under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Initiative

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met King Charles III at Sandringham House on Thursday during his official visit to the United Kingdom.

As a symbolic gesture, PM Modi presented the King with a sapling of the Davidia involucrata ‘Sonoma’, also known as the Sonoma dove tree or handkerchief tree.

This gift marked a contribution to the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, which encourages people to plant a tree in honour of their mother.

The Royal Family acknowledged the gesture on social media, stating: “This afternoon, The King received the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, @NarendraModi, 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 post further added.

Talks on Bilateral Cooperation and Shared Values

According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, PM Modi and King Charles III also discussed India-UK bilateral ties, including avenues of cooperation in Ayurveda, Yoga, and the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment) programme.

The meeting concluded a packed day for PM Modi, who earlier held bilateral talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers. The two leaders oversaw the signing of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which aims to significantly boost trade and investment.

PM Modi also interacted with young cricketers from Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs and gifted them a bat signed by the T20 World Cup-winning Indian team. Admiring a Premier League trophy at the venue, Modi remarked that football is immensely popular among Indian youth and strengthens cultural bonds with the UK.

Also Read: India-UK CETA Deal Opens $23 Billion Market For Indian Exports, Says Goyal