While travel ceased in 2020 due to pandemic-related restrictions, it resumed in 2021, eventually peaking in 2025 at over Rs 175 crore.
Investing in Global Ties: MEA Reveals Rs 762 Crore Expenditure on PM Modi’s Global Tours in 10 Years
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed the Lok Sabha on Friday that the Indian government spent approximately Rs 762 crore on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s overseas visits between 2015 and 2025. In a detailed written response, the Ministry provided a year-by-year breakdown of expenditures and the size of accompanying delegations.
The data reveals significant fluctuations in spending. While travel ceased in 2020 due to pandemic-related restrictions, it resumed in 2021, eventually peaking in 2025 at over Rs 175 crore. This recent spike is attributed to several long-haul, multi-nation tours across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and East Asia.
The MEA clarified that while host nations typically cover hospitality for the Prime Minister as a state guest, India bears the costs for security, official delegations, media contingents, and logistics. Delegation sizes generally ranged from 27 to 72 members, though a five-nation tour in 2025 involved 95 officials.
For context, the government cited pre-2014 visits, such as a 2011 US trip costing Rs 10.74 crore, noting that current costs vary based on distance, duration, and specific security needs. These figures demonstrate a steady rise in diplomatic engagements as global summits intensified in the post-pandemic era.
Source: The Tribune
