Government Allocates Over Rs 557 Crore for PM Modi’s International Travels Since 2021

The Indian government has revealed that it has spent a staggering Rs 557.5 crore on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign trips since the year 2021. This expenditure reflects the Prime Minister’s commitment to fostering international ties, although the spending patterns varied significantly over the years impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021, the total expenditure for the Prime Minister’s foreign engagements stood at Rs 36.1 crore. As the world slowly began to recover from the pandemic, the amount increased to Rs 55.8 crore in 2022. The decline in travel during these years can be attributed to global travel restrictions and ongoing health concerns. However, as restrictions eased, the expenses surged, with Rs 93.6 crore spent on trips abroad in 2023, followed by Rs 109.5 crore in 2024, and a remarkable Rs 187.8 crore projected for 2025.

For 2026, an amount of Rs 74.5 crore has already been allocated for six trips that cover 13 countries. Notably, the most expensive trip during this timeframe was Modi’s visit to the United States in February 2025, which alone cost over Rs 25.5 crore, as reported to Parliament by the Ministry of External Affairs. Additionally, the largest single expenditure in 2026 was on the Prime Minister’s visit to Norway, which amounted to Rs 17 crore.

While the Ministry of External Affairs provided these figures, it did not elaborate on the specific components of the expenditure. However, a submission made to the Rajya Sabha in March 2025 indicated that the costs encompass various necessities such as accommodations for the Prime Minister’s entourage, transportation, security measures, venue fees, and other unspecified miscellaneous expenses. The lack of detailed breakdown raises questions about transparency in government spending.

Prime Minister Modi’s international travels have included significant visits to countries like Germany, Denmark, and France, aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations and addressing global challenges. While the financial outlay is substantial, the government maintains that these trips are crucial for enhancing India’s global presence and fostering bilateral ties. As India continues to engage on the world stage, the scrutiny of expenditures on such diplomatic missions is likely to grow, with calls for greater transparency and accountability.

Source: scroll.in