New Delhi (India): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday planted a Kadamb sapling at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, to mark a special gesture of friendship and environmental cooperation between India and the United Kingdom. The sapling was gifted by King Charles III of the UK on his 75th birthday earlier this week.

A symbol of Indo-UK friendship

The Kadamb sapling, presented on September 17, symbolises the shared commitment of India and the UK towards environmental sustainability. The gift was directly inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, which encourages citizens to plant trees in their mother’s honour.

Announcing the gesture, the British High Commission wrote on X, “His Majesty The King has been graciously pleased to send a Kadamb tree to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday. The gesture, inspired by PM Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, reflects their shared commitment to environmental conservation.”

Tree diplomacy: gift exchanges between leaders

The Kadamb tree was not the first eco-friendly exchange between the two leaders. During PM Modi’s UK visit in July this year, he gifted King Charles a ‘Sonoma’ tree, also under the same initiative.

The High Commission highlighted that such exchanges represent more than symbolic acts, as climate action and clean energy collaboration remain central to the Commonwealth agenda and the India–UK Vision 2035 roadmap.

About the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative

Launched by the Indian government, the campaign seeks to combine environmental stewardship with cultural and emotional values. Citizens are encouraged to plant a tree in their mother’s name — honouring the nurturing role of mothers while contributing to climate action.

An official statement explains, “Trees are the foundation of life, and like a mother, they provide nourishment, protection, and a future for the next generation. Through this initiative, people can plant a tree in honour of their mothers, creating a lasting memorial, while also addressing the urgent need for environmental protection.”

Conclusion

The planting of the Kadamb sapling at the Prime Minister’s residence stands as a reaffirmation of the Indo-UK partnership, blending environmental diplomacy with cultural symbolism. With both nations committed to sustainable practices, the gesture further strengthens the shared resolve to tackle global climate challenges.