PM Modi Could Do Yoga at This 16th Century Mansion in England

London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be the first Indian PM to visit Chequers, the country retreat of Britain's Prime Minister, but will be the first to stay overnight. He heads there after his address to the City of London at the historic Guildhall in London tonight.

In 1971, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had gone to Chequers to visit her British counterpart Edward Heath and discuss the volatile situation in Bangladesh that year.

Mrs Gandhi did not spend the night there on her visit 44 years ago. PM Modi will stay overnight and is also expected to have a joint yoga session tomorrow morning with his host UK Prime Minister David Cameron at the 16th century mansion in Buckinghamshire, left to nation by the owners almost 100 years ago.

"There is talk that they will do yoga together,' said Dr Rudra Chaudhuri, of the King's India Institute in London. It's something nobody is denying and will be seen to go a long way in diplomacy, where every move speaks for how bilateral ties are changing.

Especially since the visit comes so soon after Chinese President Xi Jinping's tour of the UK. Mr Xi got a red carpet welcome and a drink at a pub, and the Indian side is keen to ensure the PM visit doesn't pale in comparison.

"The two Prime Ministers share a close friendship," said Conservative Party member of Parliament Priti Patel, adding that "David Cameron has made India his top priority."

So will a surya namaskar in the English countryside deliver the photo of the visit? Or will it be the London Eye in Indian colours?

"There is a surprise element," promised the Bharatiya Janata Party's Vijay Chauthaiwala, who is the main organiser of the reception for the Prime Minister at London's famous Wembley stadium on Friday.

If the weather holds, there is also talk that the Red Arrows of the Royal Air Force will perform a welcome flyby as PM Modi drives into central London today. He is expected to land in London at 10 am, 3.30 pm India time.