Historic Tea Diplomacy At Chequers
On July 24–25, 2025, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s UK visit, he and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer marked the signing of the India‑UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with a symbolic tea moment at Chequers. This cultural gesture, dubbed “Chai Pe Charcha,” underscored warmer bilateral ties and became a social media sensation. 0
A Khichdi of Diplomacy, Culture & Commerce
Against the backdrop of the India‑UK FTA—expected to eliminate duties on nearly 95–99% of trade items and boost trade from USD 56 billion to more—Modi and Starmer toured businesses, including UK‑India ventures in cricket, luxury, healthcare and wellness. The FTA aims to enhance exports, investment, and mutual economic growth. 1
Meet Akhil Patel: The ‘Chaiwala’ Behind the Counter
Akhil Patel, a 2019 London School of Economics graduate turned entrepreneur, founded Amala Chai in London. Inspired by his grandmother’s recipes and Indian rituals, he launched the brand sourcing tea leaves from Assam and spices from Kerala while working directly with small farms. 2
The Viral Quip: “From One Chaiwala to Another”
As Patel served masala chai to PM Modi at the tent at Chequers, he cheekily remarked, “From one chaiwala to another.” Modi responded with a smile and nod, creating a lighthearted moment that instantly went viral across X and Instagram. 3
Ingredients & Authentic Sourcing
Dressed in a vibrant Nehru jacket, Patel explained the origin of his brew: “Masala chai, sourced from India. Tea comes from Assam, spices from Kerala,” including cardamom, nutmeg, ginger and black pepper. A cup of his masala chai typically retails at £3.85. He serves it with cow’s or oat milk at London stalls in King’s Cross and Hackney. 4
Why It Resonated
This moment blended grassroots nostalgia with global diplomacy. Modi’s own past as a chaiwala in Gujarat added emotional weight, while Patel’s journey symbolized entrepreneurial spirit and diaspora pride. It made for perfect trivia material: which UK‑based tea staller quipped identically to the Indian PM’s humble origins? 5
Quick Trivia & Timeline
- Date: July 24–25, 2025
- Venue: Chequers, Buckinghamshire, UK
- FTA: India‑UK Free Trade Agreement (CETA), eliminating duties on ~95–99% goods
- Entrepreneur: Akhil Patel, Amala Chai, established 2019
- Viral phrase: “From one chaiwala to another”
- Tea origins: Assam (tea leaves), Kerala (spices)
Conclusion: More Than Just Tea
This exchange became a symbolic capsule of diplomatic rapport, cross-cultural entrepreneurship, and Indian pride abroad. It also serves as quiz-worthy trivia—linking past and present generations through tea.
Source: Mint