Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the crowd at an event at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) headquarters in Rome, sharing a light-hearted quip, where he referred to himself as a Chaiwala (tea seller), ahead of International Tea Day celebrations. Modi also talked about India’s deep tea tradition as he thanked the FAO Director-General and the audience.
“As mentioned, tomorrow you are going to celebrate Tea Day. To celebrate Tea Day, a chai-wala has come among you a day in advance! India’s tea varieties are wide, and the strength of India’s tea is also great,” he said, prompting laugher and applause from the crowd.
The FAO also honoured Modi with the Agricola Medal for 2026.
“For our grand welcome and for honouring me with the Agricola Medal, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the director-general of FAO. I appreciate his friendly words towards India and his years of contribution to the FAO,” he said.
He further added, “This honour is not just for me; it belongs to the billions of farmers, cattle herders, fishermen, agricultural scientists, and our workers in India. It is also an honour for India’s unwavering commitment, at the centre of which are human welfare, food security, and sustainable development. I accept this medal with extreme humility and dedicate it to the food providers of India.”
Modi returned to New Delhi after concluding his five-nation tour, where he signed key deals on energy, defence, and critical minerals. His trip, which started on May 15, included stops at the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
In the last leg of the tour, Modi held talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, strengthening the diplomatic relations between both nations.
The Indian Prime Minister was awarded with Sweden’s highest honour, the Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross, as well as Norway’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit.
