PTC Web Desk: The Central Government has spent over Rs 557 crore on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official foreign visits undertaken for bilateral engagements since 2021, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

According to a written reply submitted in Parliament, the government has spent Rs 74.59 crore on the Prime Minister's overseas visits during the current year up to July. The information was shared by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita in response to questions raised by AAP MP Sanjay Singh and CPI MP V  Sivadasan.

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The MEA stated that a total of Rs 74,58,93,797 RS 74.59 crore) has been spent on Prime Minister Modi's foreign tours till July this year.

During this period, the Prime Minister visited 13 countries as part of bilateral and diplomatic engagements. These include Malaysia, Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Italy, France, Slovakia, Seychelles, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.

Norway visit recorded highest expenditure

Among all the visits made this year, the trip to Norway during the second half of May involved the highest expenditure. According to the MEA, the visit cost Rs 17.46 crore, making it the most expensive foreign tour of the year so far.

The Prime Minister's visit to Israel in February was the second costliest, with expenditure amounting to Rs 11.92 crore.

Total spending since 2021 crosses Rs 557 crore

The ministry further informed Parliament that the Centre has spent Rs 5,57,51,34,018.56 (approximately Rs 557.51 crore) on Prime Minister Modi's foreign visits between 2021 and July this year.

The data also showed that the highest expenditure during 2025 was incurred on the Prime Minister's France visit in February, which cost
Rs 25.59 crore.

MPs sought country-wise and year-wise details

AAP MP Sanjay Singh and CPI MP V Sivadasan had sought detailed information regarding the Prime Minister's foreign visits since 2021. Their questions included country-wise details of the visits, along with year-wise and visit-wise expenditure incurred by the government.

The Ministry of External Affairs provided the requested information in its written response before the Rajya Sabha.

What does a PM's foreign visit include?

The MEA said that official foreign tours generally include a range of diplomatic and ceremonial engagements. These typically involve bilateral meetings with world leaders, participation in international summits, interactions with the Indian diaspora, memorial visits and attendance at official state banquets.

Travel arrangements

For international visits, Prime Minister Modi travels aboard Air India One, a specially designated aircraft operated by a dedicated squadron of the Indian Air Force.

The fleet comprises two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft acquired in 2016. The Prime Minister is usually accompanied by senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of External Affairs, other government departments and security personnel from the Special Protection Group (SPG).