The Union government has spent nearly Rs 258 crore on 38 foreign trips by Prime Minister Narendra Modi between May 2022 and December 2024. | (Photo Courtesy: X/@PMOIndia)
New Delhi: The Union government has spent nearly Rs 258 crore on 38 foreign trips undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi between May 2022 and December 2024, as per data shared in the Rajya Sabha.
The breakdown of these costs, which include expenses for accommodation, transportation, security, and media delegations, was disclosed by Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, in response to a query by Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge.
Costliest Trips in Recent Years
Among the most expensive visits was PM Modi’s June 2023 trip to the United States, which incurred an expenditure of Rs 22.89 crore. A subsequent visit to the US in September 2024 cost Rs 15.33 crore. Other high-cost trips included a May 2023 visit to Japan, which cost Rs 17.19 crore, and an April 2024 trip to Italy, amounting to Rs 14.36 crore. Further significant expenses were recorded for trips to Poland (Rs 10.10 crore), Brazil (Rs 5.51 crore), and Guyana (Rs 5.45 crore). These costs covered official expenses, security measures, media delegations, and community receptions.
The US visits, in particular, were among the most expensive, with the June 2023 trip surpassing Rs 22 crore, marking the highest expenditure. Additionally, the figures reflect the growing financial commitment to maintaining international diplomatic ties and strengthening India’s global presence.
Lower-Cost Visits and Calls for Transparency
On the other end of the spectrum, the PM’s visit to Nepal in May 2022 was the least expensive, at Rs 80 lakh, while a trip to Ukraine in 2024 cost Rs 2.52 crore. Kharge, who raised the query, emphasised the need for greater transparency regarding the detailed breakdown of these expenditures, particularly in areas such as accommodation, transport, and community receptions.
Historical data also reveals that previous foreign visits were considerably less costly, with a 2011 US visit recorded at Rs 10.74 crore. This comparison highlights the increasing financial outlay required for these diplomatic engagements. The data underscores the rising costs of maintaining international relations and the scale of financial resources allocated for such official visits.
