PM Modi Gifts King Charles III Rare ‘Sonoma Dove Tree’ Sapling; Both Discuss Ayurveda, Yoga At Sandringham Estate
During his UK visit, PM Modi met King Charles III, gifting him a Sonoma dove tree sapling. They discussed bilateral ties and collaboration on Ayurveda, Yoga, and Mission LIFE.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday presented King Charles III with a tree sapling drawn from his “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign during an audience at the monarch’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, eastern England. The sapling will be planted on the estate during the autumn planting season, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters at a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) briefing around the visit.
The Royal Family officially confirmed the meeting via a tweet, stating, "This afternoon, The King received the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Narendra Modi, at Sandringham House. During their time together, His Majesty was given a tree to be planted this Autumn, inspired by the environmental initiative launched by the Prime Minister, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, which encourages people to plant a tree in tribute to their mothers."
This afternoon, The King received the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, @NarendraModi, at Sandringham House. 🇮🇳
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 24, 2025
During their time together, His Majesty was given a tree to be planted this Autumn, inspired by the environmental initiative launched by the Prime Minister, “Ek… pic.twitter.com/9nhigoCgkw
The Sonoma dove tree, a celebrated ornamental variety, is known for its early and abundant flowering, typically within two to three years of planting, unlike its species form which can take up to two decades to bloom. Its distinctive large, white bracts resemble handkerchiefs or doves, creating a striking visual display.
“Had a very good meeting with His Majesty King Charles III,” PM Modi posted on X. “We discussed different aspects of India-UK relations, including the ground covered in trade and investment in the wake of CETA and Vision 2035. Other subjects of discussion included education, health and wellness, particularly Yoga and Ayurveda, which are subjects His Majesty is very passionate about. We also talked about environmental protection and sustainability,” he said.
Had a very good meeting with His Majesty King Charles III. We discussed different aspects of India-UK relations, including the ground covered in trade and investment in the wake of CETA and Vision 2035. Other subjects of discussion included education, health and wellness,… pic.twitter.com/kNnIKF3sCv
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025
Informing about the meeting, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "PM @narendramodi met His Majesty King Charles III at Sandringham Estate in England today. They discussed bilateral issues & progress in 🇮🇳-🇬🇧 ties. They also discussed avenues for collaboration in promoting Ayurveda, Yoga and Mission LIFE (Lifestyle For Environment), to spread the benefits to the UK. PM presented a sapling to His Majesty to be planted in Sandringham Estate in autumn as part of the #EkPedMaaKeNaam campaign."
PM @narendramodi met His Majesty King Charles III at Sandringham Estate in England today.
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 24, 2025
They discussed bilateral issues & progress in 🇮🇳-🇬🇧 ties. They also discussed avenues for collaboration in promoting Ayurveda, Yoga and Mission LIFE (Lifestyle For Environment), to spread… pic.twitter.com/16wEF5l60Q
In a statement, the MEA informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his happiness at the recovery of King Charles III's health and resumption of his Royal duties.
"The two leaders also discussed bilateral ties. They noted that the signing of the historic India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement would impart a new momentum to the partnership. Prime Minister apprised His Majesty of the progress made by India in the renewable energy sector to promote sustainable development. They also discussed ways to collaborate and promote their shared vision regarding climate change and sustainability," it added.
As per the MEA, the Prime Minister and the British King also discussed ways in which the UK and India could work together in the Commonwealth while he invited the latter to pay a state visit to India.
"Prime Minister thanked His Majesty for joining the green campaign - Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam [plant for mother] and handed over a sapling that will be planted in Sandringham Estate during the upcoming planting season in autumn. Prime Minister thanked His Majesty for his hospitality and invited him to pay a State Visit to India," the statement mentioned.
Trade, Investment And Vision 2035 Dominate PM Modi's UK Visit
The royal audience followed a packed schedule in which Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held wide-ranging talks at Chequers, the British PM’s official country residence in Buckinghamshire, and witnessed the signing of the historic India-UK Free Trade Agreement, described as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). “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,” Prime Minister Modi said in a social media post. (Attribution: PM Modi on social media)
“Interacted with business leaders at Chequers. The signing of the India-UK CETA has opened up new avenues for trade and investment. It marks a pivotal step in strengthening our economic partnership,” he said. (Attribution: PM Modi on social media)
Cricket, Football And People-To-People Bonds
Highlighting sport as a bridge between the two countries, Modi said he met players from Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs. “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,” Modi said. He also admired a Premier League trophy, noting that football is “widely admired among India’s youth and several football clubs based in the UK are very popular in India”.
At the end of his UK visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to depart for the Maldives, where he will be the Guest of Honour at the island nation’s Independence Day celebrations.
Top Headlines
