‘One chaiwala to another’: UK entrepreneur serves Indian masala chai to PM Narendra Modi, UK PM Keir Starmer in viral video

Patel’s big moment, though, came when he turned to PM Modi and handed him a cup with a smile. “From one chaiwala to another,” he said, a reference both to his own roots and to Modi’s well-known past, selling tea as a young boy at a railway station in Gujarat. In Gujarati, Patel also said that the chai would remind him of home, to which PM Modi responded with a hearty laugh.

Modi even echoed one of his signature slogans from past diplomatic meetings, calling it “Chai Pe Charcha” – a phrase that’s now etched in political folklore.

The interaction, captured and posted on Instagram by Mihir Pandya, was captioned: “Honoured to share space with two incredible leaders — PM Narendra Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer. Conversations that inspire. Moments that matter.”

Watch the video:

 

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A post shared by Mihir Pandya (@me_here1401)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his official handle to post photos from his visit to the Amala Chai stall, capturing a candid moment with UK PM Keir Starmer at Chequers. “‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers…brewing stronger India-UK ties!” he captioned the post.

‘Chai Pe Charcha’ with PM Keir Starmer at Chequers…brewing stronger India-UK ties! @Keir_Starmer pic.twitter.com/sY1OZFa6gL

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025

The video went viral on social media and many reacted to it in the comments. A user wrote, “One chaiwala to another was epic bro ready for the memes.” Another user commented, “PM is saying taste of India however that kid ruined the moment limiting it to a State.”

A third person commented, “Bro was waiting his whole life to say that dialogue ” from one chaiwala to another.”

In a significant move to boost economic ties, India and the UK sealed a landmark free trade agreement on Thursday, coinciding with Prime Minister Modi’s visit to London. The pact is set to open new avenues for businesses on both sides, with 99 per cent of Indian goods gaining duty-free access to the UK starting next year.

British exports will also benefit, with tariffs on items like cars and whisky being eased, a move expected to make premium UK products more affordable in Indian markets.