Watch| PM Modi and UKs Starmer Brew Diplomacy Over Chai at Chequers

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had an informal 'Chai Pe Charcha' with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer while paying a visit to Chequers, the official British Prime Minister's country house.

A photo on X shared by PM Modi showed the two leaders deep in conversation over a cup of tea.

Posting! Modi tweeted, "'Chai Pe Charcha' with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers.brewing stronger India-UK ties!"

The meeting in an informal atmosphere was part of a larger agenda that also included the two leaders hosting business executives at the same site. The highlight of the visit was the formal signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which both leaders described as a game-changer in bilateral relations.

"Met business leaders at Chequers. The India-UK CETA signing has unlocked new trade and investment opportunities. This is a critical milestone in deepening our economic partnership," PM Modi said in another X post.

The deal was signed in both Prime Ministers' presence by India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK's Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds.

The most eagerly awaited part of the meeting was the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a pact likely to boost bilateral trade between the two nations by almost USD 34 billion each year. Through the deal, India will reduce tariffs on 90% of UK-origin products, with the UK doing so for 99% of Indian goods. The initiative will rationalize many tariff lines and regulatory processes and bring relief in several sectors.

Modi and Starmer also visited an exhibition at Chequers with signature products and revolutionary innovations of both countries. "At Chequers, PM Keir Starmer and I witnessed an exhibition which provided a glimpse of the close economic connections between India and the UK. With the signing of CETA, these connections will increase to manyfold," Modi said on X.

The visit included an energetic engagement with young Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs cricketers. PM Modi gave them a special treat — a signed India winning T20 World Cup team cricket bat.

"India and the UK are bonded by a common love of cricket. At Chequers, PM Keir Starmer and I met players from Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs. Wonderful to witness sport building people-to-people relations between our countries. Also gave my young friends a signed bat of the Indian cricket team that won the T20 World Cup," the Prime Minister posted on X, along with pictures of the event.

As part of the cultural exchange, the two also took a photo holding the Premier League trophy. PM Modi added, "Football is very much beloved among India's youth and various football clubs of the UK are extremely popular in India."

Speaking of his gratitude for the hospitality received during the visit, PM Modi penned, "Thankful to PM Keir Starmer for the warm welcome at Chequers. Our discussions reflect a shared commitment to deepen India-UK ties across sectors."

The bilateral meeting was fruitful and was characterized by the release of the two countries' "India-UK Vision 2035," a visionary roadmap to strengthen cooperation in strategic sectors. The agreement underscores the common desire of both nations to cooperate on global challenges as well as promote common prosperity and security.

The PMO's tweet on X also stated, "PM @narendramodi had productive discussions with UK PM @Keir_Starmer in the wake of successful signing of India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)."

It further stated, "The deal opens the doors for deeper economic collaboration between the two nations, providing increased market access for Indian footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering products, agriculture products, processed food and more. The leaders also launched Vision 2035 to enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with emphasis placed on major sectors like defence, education, semiconductors, sustainable development and people-to-people exchanges."