The central government has disclosed the details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign travel expenses in the Lok Sabha. Between 2015 and 2025, the Indian government spent a total of ₹762.47 crore on his overseas visits, marking an unprecedented level of foreign travel compared to previous Prime Ministers, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Year-wise data shows that the expenditure was ₹91.5 crore in 2015, ₹33.22 crore in 2016, ₹44.27 crore in 2017, ₹51.46 crore in 2018, ₹7.76 crore in 2019, no trips were made in 2020 due to COVID-19, ₹36.11 crore in 2021, ₹55.82 crore in 2022, ₹93.63 crore in 2023, ₹109.51 crore in 2024, and ₹175.19 crore in 2025. The high expenditure in 2025 was due to extensive tours across Europe, the United States, Africa, and various Asian countries.
The Ministry clarified that host countries cover hospitality expenses, including accommodation and meals, while the Indian government spends funds only on security arrangements, official delegations, media teams, and other logistical requirements. Typically, the Prime Minister is accompanied by 27 to 72 officials, but a multi-country tour last year saw the delegation reach 95 members. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, by comparison, undertook only four foreign trips during his ten-year tenure, costing ₹35.04 crore.
The Ministry noted that the rise in expenses is due to inflation, depreciation of the rupee in international markets, the number of countries visited, and travel distances covered. These costs reflect operational necessities rather than discretionary spending, underscoring India’s focus on strategic diplomacy and ensuring that overseas engagements continue to advance the country’s international priorities.