PM Modi, UK Counterpart Starmer Hold ‘Chai Pe Charcha’ At Chequers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a cordial and strategic meeting at Chequers on Thursday, where they signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), aimed at boosting India-UK trade ties.

PM Modi shared a photo of their tea conversation on platform X, captioned, “‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers…brewing stronger India-UK ties!”

The two leaders discussed a range of issues while enjoying tea in the gardens of the British PM’s countryside residence.

Trade Pact Opens New Economic Opportunities

During their interaction, the Prime Ministers also met with business leaders. PM Modi noted that the India-UK CETA would open ‘new avenues for trade and investment’ and posted on X that the deal marked a pivotal moment for both economies.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds signed the agreement in the presence of the two Prime Ministers.

Under the deal, India will cut tariffs on 90% of UK goods, while the UK will reduce duties on 99% of Indian exports. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to raise annual bilateral trade by USD 34 billion.

An exhibition at the venue showcased flagship products and innovations from both countries.

PM Modi remarked, “At Chequers, PM Keir Starmer and I saw an exhibition which gave a glimpse of the strong economic linkages between India and the UK. With the signing of CETA, these linkages will rise manifold.”

Cultural Diplomacy Through Sport

The two leaders also met with players from Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs. PM Modi gifted the young players a bat signed by the T20 World Cup-winning Indian team.

“Great to see sport fostering people-to-people ties between our nations,” he posted.

The two leaders also posed with the Premier League trophy. “Football is widely admired among India’s youth and several football clubs based in the UK are very popular in India,” Modi shared.

Following the engagements, PM Modi expressed gratitude to Starmer for the warm welcome. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the talks were “fruitful” and reflected a “shared commitment to deepen India-UK ties across sectors.”

The two leaders also launched the “India-UK Vision 2035”, aimed at shaping a comprehensive strategic partnership focused on defence, education, semiconductors, sustainability, and closer people-to-people contact.

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