Introduction
The Indian government has disclosed that a total of ₹258 crore was spent on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign trips between May 2022 and December 2024. The revelation was made in Parliament amid debates over government spending and fiscal priorities.
Contents
Breakdown of Expenditure
The ₹258 crore expenditure covers multiple aspects:
- Official travel costs for diplomatic visits
- Security arrangements for the Prime Minister
- Accommodation and logistics for officials accompanying him
Major Trips Undertaken by PM Modi
During this period, PM Modi visited 18 countries, including:
- United States (UNGA Summit, bilateral talks with President Biden)
- United Kingdom (G7 summit, trade negotiations)
- Russia and China (BRICS & SCO summits)
- UAE and Saudi Arabia (Energy and defense agreements)
Political Reactions
The opposition has criticized the high costs, arguing that taxpayer money should be spent more on domestic welfare programs.
- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated, “While global diplomacy is important, spending ₹258 crore on foreign travel raises questions.”
- The BJP defended the expenditure, stating that Modi’s trips have resulted in record-breaking foreign investments in India.
Public Opinion and Conclusion
While Modi’s foreign engagements have strengthened India’s diplomatic influence, the debate over the cost-effectiveness of these trips continues. With elections approaching, this issue is likely to become a major point of discussion in national politics.
