India-UK Deal, ‘Chai Pe Charcha’, Cricket & EPL: PM Modi's Day Out With Starmer At Chequers

Last Updated:July 24, 2025, 21:46 IST

PM Modi gifts signed bat, shares tea with Keir Starmer after concluding India-UK FTA hailed as post-Brexit Britain’s biggest trade deal.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have a cup of tea during a business showcase event at Chequers near Aylesbury, England. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met at Chequers, the British PM’s country residence, on Thursday for a business showcase event where the two leaders formally concluded the long-awaited India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The deal was signed after a high-level delegation meeting attended by top officials from both sides led by the respective prime ministers.

The moment was marked by a casual yet symbolic tea break at a stall named “Amala Chai," where PM Modi and UK PM Starmer were seen enjoying a cup of tea together.

Shortly after the interaction, PM Modi shared photos from the event on X, writing: “‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers…brewing stronger India-UK ties! @Keir_Starmer."

The gathering at Chequers also featured an interaction with players from the Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs, highlighting the role of sport in building people-to-people connections.

“India and the UK are connected by a shared passion for cricket," Prime Minister Modi said. “At Chequers, PM Keir Starmer and I interacted with players… Great to see sport fostering people-to-people ties between our nations. Also gave my young friends a bat signed by the Indian cricket team which won the T20 World Cup."

The tea and cricket-themed diplomacy followed the formal announcement of the FTA, a deal described as a milestone by both governments.

Modi said the agreement would enhance Indian exports in sectors such as textiles, footwear, gems, jewellery and seafood, while enabling Indian consumers to access British products like medical devices and aerospace components more affordably. He added that the deal would “create new job opportunities" and benefit “India’s youth, farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs."

Starmer called the FTA “the most significant deal the UK has signed since leaving the EU," saying it would “boost wages, raise living standards and put more money in the pockets of working people." He also said the agreement sends a clear message that “the UK is open for business".

Aylesbury, England

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