July 25, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent overseas visits have raised discussions concerning the expenditures on these trips. In 2025, the Indian government reported that over Rs 67 crore was spent on his visits to five countries. The countries included France, the United States, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia, with France costing Rs 25.59 crore, making it the most expensive trip so far this year. The report detailing these figures was shared in Parliament, indicating that Modi's total expenditure for overseas travel from 2021 to 2024 has reached nearly Rs 295 crore. This sum reflects the government's commitment to conducting high-level diplomatic engagements globally, as Modi traveled to numerous countries for discussions on various bilateral issues. The costs for each traveled destination in 2025 are as follows: the US trip cost Rs 16.54 crore, Saudi Arabia Rs 15.54 crore, Thailand Rs 4.92 crore, and Sri Lanka Rs 4.46 crore. Despite these expenditures, not all financial records are accounted. The Ministry of External Affairs mentioned that costs for trips to other countries like Mauritius, Cyprus, Canada, Croatia, Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia have yet to be finalized, indicating that the official figures could rise further as outstanding payments are settled. Furthermore, looking back at the expenses from previous years highlights a growing trend. In 2024, India spent approximately Rs 109 crore on Modi's travels to 16 countries, with expenditures of Rs 93 crore in 2023, Rs 55.82 crore in 2022, and Rs 36 crore in 2021. These figures outline an increasing financial commitment as Modi continues to build international relationships. During his travels, Modi has engaged in significant diplomatic activities. For instance, in February 2025, he visited France and the US, where he held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and participated in an Artificial Intelligence Summit. Moreover, his meeting with former President Donald Trump in the US showcased India's interest in reinforcing ties with major powers. In addition to official visits, the government also reported expenditures linked to public events and advertising tied to Modi's trips. For example, his 2023 visit to Egypt involved costs of around Rs 11.90 lakh solely for advertising and broadcasting needs, emphasizing how these trips are also an opportunity to present India's image globally. In conclusion, while the expenses for Prime Minister Modi's foreign trips are substantial, they reflect his government's efforts to forge strong international alliances and enhance India's standing on the global stage. As the costs continue to add up, scrutiny around the financial justifications for these trips remains a key topic among policymakers and the public alike.

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Tags: Narendra modi, Foreign trips, Government expenditure, 2025 travel costs,