Since assuming office in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken extensive international tours aimed at strengthening India’s economic and diplomatic relationships worldwide. These visits have focused on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), promoting the “Make in India” initiative, and securing strategic partnerships across sectors such as technology, infrastructure, defence, and trade. During this period, India has seen a significant increase in FDI inflows, growing from approximately $36 billion in 2014 to over $80 billion in recent years. Modi’s efforts have helped open new markets for Indian exports and enhanced India’s profile in major global forums such as the G20, BRICS, and climate change summits.
However, these global tours come with substantial costs. Although exact figures are not officially consolidated, estimates suggest that each international visit costs the government between ₹10 crore and ₹30 crore (about $1.2 million to USD 3.5 million), covering travel, security, protocol, and logistics. Given that PM Modi has made over 100 international trips during his tenure, the cumulative expenditure could range between ₹1,000 crore and ₹3,000 crore (roughly $120 million to USD 360 million). These expenses are borne by multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defense.
The diplomatic tours have sparked debate within India. Supporters argue that the economic returns justify the investments, highlighting increased foreign investment, enhanced trade relations, and India’s rising stature on the world stage. Critics, on the other hand, call for greater transparency and question whether the funds spent on such extensive travels could have been better utilized for domestic priorities. Nonetheless, international diplomatic travel at this scale is common among world leaders, who consider it a critical part of maintaining and expanding their countries’ global influence.