"Can we just take a moment to realise how mad that is?"
Akhil Patel never imagined his chai would be at the centre of a global media frenzy.
But during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the UK, the London-based entrepreneur found himself serving tea to both Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the historic Chequers estate.
The founder of Amala Chai, a speciality tea company, Akhil shared his astonishment online.
He posted on Instagram: “A quick recap of a surreal day.
“Yesterday, I was invited by @10downingstreet to serve chai at Chequers, to @narendramodi, @keirstarmer, and Indian and UK ministers.
“Can we just take a moment to realise how mad that is?”
The viral moment was caught on camera as the two leaders ditched coffee in favour of masala chai.
Akhil continued: “There I was, in the UK Prime Minister’s house, serving masala chai and not one person wanted coffee.”
He signed off his post with a nod to India’s most famous tea-seller-turned-statesman:
“From one chaiwala to another, that was a special day. Right… I’m getting off the internet now to make a cup of chai.”
Akhil expressed his excitement further in a LinkedIn post:
“MODI & STARMER DRANK MY CHAI! & I’M ON THE FRONT OF MODI’s INSTAGRAM.”
The video Akhil Patel posted captured his encounter with the two leaders during what was described as an informal moment amid trade discussions.
“Politics aside this is totally mental?
“Surreal day being asked to come to Chequers to celebrate the trade deal between the UK and India.
“Little did I know that Starmer and Modi would come for a cup of chai whilst the whole media were watching.”
Akhil Patel founded Amala Chai after being inspired by his grandmother and her love for tea.
The company claims to procure all the materials it sells directly from “small family farms in Assam and Kerala”.
View this post on Instagram
Meanwhile, Narendra Modi was in the UK, where he and Sir Keir Starmer signed a historic trade deal.
In a statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said:
“During his official visit to the United Kingdom from 23-24 July 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met today with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer.
“On arrival at the UK Prime Minister’s country residence at Chequers in Buckinghamshire, he was warmly received by Prime Minister Starmer.
“The two leaders held a one-on-one meeting as well as delegation-level talks.”
Loading ...