The Indian government has informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the United States in June 2023 cost more than Rs 22 crore, as per PTI report. Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita shared this information in the Rajya Sabha in answer to an enquiry from the Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge.
Details of the expenses incurred
The Ministry of External Affairs shared the details of the expenditures on various foreign visits taken by the Prime Minister in the last three years from May 2022 to December 2024.
The official visit to the United States in June 2023 amounted to Rs 22,89,68,509 and in September 2024 it cost Rs 15,33,76,348. PM Modi’s Japan visit in May 2023 expenditure was Rs 17,19,33,356 and Nepal tour was Rs 80,01,483.
During the comparative analysis, the government also revealed expenditure data from official visits before 2014. It was also highlighted that the data had been presented with adjustments for inflation or currency fluctuations.
The United States official trip in 2011 was Rs 10,74,27,363, Russia in 2013 cost Rs 9,95,76,890, France tour spend was RS 8,33,49,463 and Germany in 2013 was Rs 6,02,23,484.
Importance of PM Modi’s June 2023 US visit
PM Modi’s June 2023 visit to the United States included several high-profile events and bilateral discussions to boost partnership. Key events from the event were:
Prime Minister’s Address to the US Congress: PM Modi became the first politician to address the US Congress twice, underlining the strong support for India in American politics.
Interaction with the communities: The Prime Minister also interacted with the Indian diaspora, underscoring their roles in strengthening India-US relationship and also in showcasing India’s achievement on a global platform.
Defence and Technology Deals:During this visit, key deals in the field of defense, technology, renewable energy, healthcare and climate change were made. There were also agreements on transfer of technology and joint production of dual-use technologies with respect to India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
The disclosed expenditure highlights the logistical and operational costs linked with conducting such high-level talks. These diplomatic engagements are crucial in fostering India’s foreign policy and boosting international relations.
(With inputs from PTI)