ROME: Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked widespread laughter and applause at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) headquarters in Rome after delivering a light-hearted, self-referential remark ahead of International Tea Day.
Addressing delegates and a packed audience, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s deep-rooted tea traditions with a witty personal nod that quickly went viral across global social media platforms.
“Tomorrow you are going to celebrate Tea Day. To celebrate Tea Day, a ‘chai-wala’ (tea seller) has come among you a day in advance! India’s tea varieties are wide, and the strength of India’s tea is also great.” — PM Narendra Modi at the FAO Headquarters
Conferred with the Agricola Medal 2026
The viral moment preceded a major diplomatic honor, as the FAO formally presented Prime Minister Modi with the prestigious Agricola Medal for 2026 in recognition of his contributions to food security, agrarian expansion, and rural development.
-
A Collective Honor: Accepting the global medal with humility, PM Modi dedicated the award directly to the “food providers of India”—crediting the nation’s billions of farmers, cattle herders, fishermen, and agricultural scientists.
-
Core Philosophy: He underscored that the accolade reflects India’s steadfast domestic and global policy frameworks, which position human welfare, food security, and sustainable development at their absolute core.
Wrapping Up a Five-Nation Tour
The events in Rome marked the final leg of the Prime Minister’s high-profile five-nation diplomatic itinerary, which included strategic visits to the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
-
Strategic Deliverables: The tour culminated in key pacts governing energy grids, defence innovation, and critical minerals, alongside the formal elevation of India-Italy ties to a Special Strategic Partnership with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni.
-
Global Accolades: Beyond the FAO medal, the Prime Minister returned to New Delhi decorated with Sweden’s highest honor (Royal Order of the Polar Star) and Norway’s highest civilian decoration (Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit).
