Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 75th birthday on Friday by planting a Kadamb sapling at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg. The sapling was a personal gift from King Charles III of the United Kingdom and formed part of PM Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, which promotes environmental awareness and tree plantation. A video shared of the occasion showed the Prime Minister personally planting and watering the young tree.
The British High Commission in New Delhi had earlier announced the gift on social media, highlighting that King Charles III’s gesture was inspired by PM Modi’s environmental efforts. “His Majesty the King has graciously sent a Kadamb tree to India’s Prime Minister on his birthday,” the post stated, emphasizing the shared commitment to sustainability and ecological conservation.
This gesture follows PM Modi’s July visit to the UK, where he met King Charles III at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. During that visit, the Prime Minister had presented the King with a Sonoma tree sapling under the same initiative, reinforcing mutual dedication to climate action and green diplomacy. The High Commission noted that climate and clean energy cooperation is a core pillar of the UK-India partnership, aligned with Vision 2035 laid out by PM Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Beyond environmental collaboration, the UK visit included discussions on strategic trade, including the India-UK free trade agreement (CETA), education, health, and wellness practices such as Yoga and Ayurveda, areas where both nations expressed mutual interest. PM Modi highlighted the shared focus on sustainability and nature protection, reflecting King Charles’ longstanding advocacy for environmental preservation.
The Kadamb tree, native to the Indian subcontinent and revered in Indian culture, adds symbolic depth to the gesture. By combining traditional significance with modern environmental initiatives, the planting embodies a blend of diplomacy, cultural heritage, and ecological responsibility. The act underscores India’s ongoing commitment to conservation while strengthening ties with the United Kingdom through green diplomacy and mutual respect.
