PM Modi’s overseas travel expenditure sees sharp rise since 2021

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has informed Rajya Sabha that expenditure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign visits has increased significantly over the past five years, with the annual spending rising from just over ₹36 crore in 2021 to more than ₹180 crore in 2025.

The figures were shared in a written reply by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, who said the cumulative expenditure on the Prime Minister’s overseas visits since 2021 has crossed ₹550 crore.

Foreign visit expenses by year

According to the data presented in Parliament, expenditure on the Prime Minister’s international visits has steadily increased each year.

Annual expenditure on PM Modi’s foreign visits

• 2021: Over ₹36 crore
• 2022: ₹55 crore
• 2023: ₹93 crore
• 2024: ₹109 crore
• 2025: More than ₹180 crore

For 2026, the expenditure has already reached ₹74.58 crore, although the government clarified that some figures remain provisional and the final cost of the Prime Minister’s France visit in June is yet to be calculated.

Norway visit recorded the highest expenditure in 2026

Among the overseas visits for which expenditure has been compiled this year, the Norway leg of Prime Minister Modi’s five-nation tour in May accounted for the highest spending.

According to the MEA, the Norway visit alone cost approximately ₹17.46 crore, making it the most expensive foreign engagement recorded so far in 2026.

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Government cites diplomatic and economic gains

Responding to concerns over the rising expenditure, the Ministry of External Affairs defended the costs, saying the Prime Minister’s foreign engagements have delivered substantial strategic, economic and diplomatic benefits for India.

The ministry stated that 316 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral agreements have been signed during overseas visits since July 2021.

These agreements span a wide range of sectors, including:

• Defence cooperation
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Digital technology
• Semiconductors
• Renewable energy
• Healthcare
• Education
• Agriculture
• Space collaboration
• Climate action
• Mobility and migration
• Cultural exchanges

MEA highlights FDI inflows

The ministry also pointed to India’s foreign investment performance during the same period.

According to the government, India attracted $381.8 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) between April 2021 and December 2025, arguing that high-level diplomatic engagements have contributed to strengthening economic partnerships and global investor confidence.

The latest figures come amid continued debate over government expenditure on international diplomacy, with the Centre maintaining that overseas visits play a key role in advancing India’s strategic and economic interests.