Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently planted a Kadamb sapling at his residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. This special gift was presented to him by King Charles III of the United Kingdom on the occasion of his 75th birthday. The act signifies the strong friendship and shared dedication to environmental sustainability between India and the UK.

King Charles III's gift was inspired by PM Modi's own environmental initiative, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," which translates to "One Tree in the Name of Mother". This initiative encourages people to plant trees in honor of their mothers, recognizing their role in nurturing life and contributing to a healthier planet. The Kadamb sapling, therefore, symbolizes not only the bond between the two leaders but also their mutual commitment to environmental conservation.

The British High Commission in New Delhi announced the gift via a social media post, emphasizing the shared commitment to environmental protection. The High Commission stated that King Charles was "graciously pleased" to send the Kadamb tree to PM Modi, highlighting the significance of the gesture.

This exchange of environmentally conscious gifts follows PM Modi's visit to the UK in July, during which he met King Charles at his Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. During that visit, PM Modi presented King Charles with a Sonoma tree sapling, also as part of the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" initiative. This reciprocal gifting underscores the importance both leaders place on environmental issues and sustainability.

During PM Modi's visit to the UK, discussions with King Charles also encompassed sustainability, Yoga and Ayurveda, and progress on the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). PM Modi noted King Charles's long-standing advocacy for climate and nature, further emphasizing their shared interests.

The collaboration on climate action and clean energy is a central element of the Commonwealth and the UK-India partnership, as outlined by PM Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Vision 2035. This initiative seeks to strengthen ties between the two countries while addressing critical global challenges.

The Kadamb tree, native to the Indian subcontinent, is a species revered in Indian culture. Planting the Kadamb sapling at his residence, therefore, carries a symbolic weight, representing a commitment to nurturing the environment and strengthening the bond between India and the United Kingdom. The act of planting the tree was captured on video, showing the Prime Minister personally tending to the sapling.