Why PM Narendra Modi’s gift of tea to Queen Elizabeth was appropriate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gift of Darjeeling tea for Queen Elizabeth II, who hosted a luncheon for him at Buckingham Palace, probably would not surprise anyone, given his now-well-known beginnings as a purveyor of that humble brew at canteens in India. More so as the British monarch is old — and old fashioned — enough to persist with her preference for Darjeeling and Earl Grey black tea even if increasing numbers of her subjects are changing over to a more trendy trans-Atlantic hot beverage. Many facets of traditional British culture are steeped in tea — from cream tea to afternoon tea — but are now facing competition from other ‘foreign’ brews and pastimes. So, a reiteration of the primacy of that brew is clearly crucial for both nations.

However, the choice of a classic aromatic Darjeeling varietal from Makaibari instead of the robust ‘masala’ concoction that India is willy-nilly associated with these days must be particularly welcomed. The example of great French wines guiding the world’s appreciation — and valuation — of that country’s entire oenological offerings should not be lost on India. Of course, if the prime minister had gifted a special blend to the Queen, it could have come in handy as a future potential marketing tool for this quintessential made-in-India product in Britain.