PM Modi’s International Trips Cost Around ₹300 Crore Since 2021: Diplomacy or Disproportionate Spending?

 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a response to a question raised by MP Derek O’Brien in the Rajya Sabha, disclosed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s international travels since 2021 have cost the exchequer close to ₹300 crore. While diplomatic outreach and strategic partnerships are fundamental in foreign policy, the steep expenditure has reignited debates over the fiscal prudence of such large-scale diplomatic undertakings.

Since assuming office, PM Modi has been globally active — visiting nations across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond, often with repeat visits to key strategic allies. These trips are routinely portrayed by the government as essential for strengthening bilateral relations, attracting investment, and positioning India as a global power. From attending high-profile summits like G20 and BRICS to bilateral visits involving trade deals and diaspora outreach, the international travel agenda has been dense and strategically curated.

However, the ₹300 crore bill over just a few years raises legitimate concerns. With India grappling with persistent economic challenges — including inflation, unemployment, and underfunded public services — critics argue that such expenditures must be scrutinized. Opposition leaders, civil society members, and even fiscal conservatives question whether these trips are yielding proportional returns or if the diplomacy could be pursued through more cost-effective means.

It’s also important to ask: how much of this expenditure goes into luxury arrangements, large entourages, chartered flights, and expansive security measures? Transparency in detailing the utility and outcomes of these trips is paramount to maintaining public trust.

On the flip side, defenders of the Prime Minister’s travel agenda emphasize the long-term gains in foreign investment, global standing, and national image building. They argue that diplomacy in today’s interconnected world cannot be accomplished through virtual meetings alone and that India’s assertiveness on the global stage is yielding measurable benefits — from defense partnerships to technological collaborations.

Nonetheless, in a democratic setup, even the most well-intentioned expenditure must pass the test of accountability. As citizens, we are entitled to question if ₹300 crore of taxpayer money is being used efficiently, or whether it’s time to revisit how 21st-century diplomacy is practiced — with a balance between optics, outcomes, and economic realities.

Bottom Line: The debate isn’t just about the number — it’s about priorities, transparency, and return on investment. In an age where leaders must walk the tightrope between global ambition and domestic responsibility, ₹300 crore is not just a figure — it’s a reflection of the government’s diplomatic philosophy.