The UK is famously passionate about its tea. Therefore, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is widely recognized for his modest beginnings as a tea seller, visited the UK, it was inevitable that there would be some “chai pe charcha”.

This event took place when PM Modi and his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, celebrated the signing of a significant free trade agreement (FTA) by enjoying a cup of tea at Chequers, the official country residence of the UK Prime Minister.

An Indian-origin entrepreneur, Akhil Patel, who owns Amala Chai, set up a tea stall on the lawn. The touching exchange between Patel and PM Modi has since gone viral.

As the two leaders approached his stall, Patel, wearing a vibrant Nehru jacket, proudly stated that his tea is “sourced from India, but brewed in London”.

He also detailed the ingredients while preparing a cup for the two leaders.

“Masala chai, sourced from India. Tea comes from Assam, spices from Kerala,” Patel explained as he handed a cup of tea to Starmer.

However, the moment that truly resonated and made Patel an internet sensation was his clever comment when he presented a cup of tea to PM Modi. “From one chaiwala to another,” Patel was heard saying. The Prime Minister appreciated the humor, responding with a chuckle and a nod to the joke.

“Oh, lovely. Really lovely, nice,” Starmer remarked after taking a sip.

Later, the Prime Minister posted pictures from their interaction. “Chai pe Charcha with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers… brewing stronger India-UK ties!” PM Modi tweeted.

Patel, who established Amala Chai in 2019, also uploaded a video on his Instagram account.

“Just a casual Thursday serving chai for Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer. What a crazy day! Beyond honoured. Conversations that inspire. Moments that matter,” Patel captioned the viral video.