Prime Minister Modi Marks 100th Foreign Trip with Visits to France and Slovakia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned to New Delhi after a diplomatic tour of France and Slovakia, celebrating his 100th foreign trip since he took office in 2014.
In just under 12 years, Modi has become one of India’s most-travelled leaders. With over 70 trips previously, he stands as India’s most-travelled Prime Minister, using diplomacy and engagement with the Indian diaspora as cornerstones of his foreign policy.
A Look at His Travels
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi’s overseas journey began with a visit to Bhutan in June 2014, followed by the BRICS Summit in Brazil the next month. Since then, he has visited 78 countries over 100 trips across three terms in office.
During his first term, from 2014 to 2019, Modi completed 49 foreign trips, while he undertook 27 visits in his second term. Since resuming office in 2024, he has completed 24 trips, including his recent participation in the G7 Summit in France.
Making History
Modi has broken barriers by visiting countries that hadn’t seen Indian leaders for years. He was the first prime minister to visit Poland in 45 years, Austria in 41 years, and Norway after a 43-year hiatus. His visit to Argentina in 2025 was notable for being the first by an Indian prime minister in 57 years. The current visit to Slovakia also marks a first since the country’s independence in 1993.
Notable Diplomatic Gestures
Modi’s travels often include unique diplomatic gestures. In 2023, during his visit to Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister James Marape welcomed him at the airport, a rare move due to local customs. In the U.S., former President Barack Obama personally accompanied him to a memorial, a rare honor for a foreign leader. Additionally, during his time in Nice, the mayor raised the Indian flag at City Hall—a special recognition.
Strategic Priorities
Many of Modi’s frequent destinations align with India’s strategic interests. He has visited France and the United States 10 times each and Japan and the UAE eight times. His trips often combine official business with outreach to the Indian community, highlighted by events like the “Howdy Modi” gathering in Houston and the International Day of Yoga at the UN.
Countries Still to Visit
Despite his extensive travels, Modi has yet to visit several prominent countries, including Mexico, Ireland, and key Latin American nations like Chile and Colombia. Notably, he has also not visited North Korea, which remains a sensitive diplomatic issue.
Transformation of Image
Notably, before becoming prime minister, Modi faced international isolation following the 2002 Gujarat riots. His visa was revoked by the U.S. in 2005, but relationships have since improved since he took office.
Expensive Endeavors Amid Criticism
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India spent around ₹762 crores on Modi’s foreign trips from 2015 to 2025, with travel expenses highest for the United States, followed by France and Japan. Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have criticized Modi’s extensive travels, questioning the effectiveness of his outreach and expressing concern over costs amid pressing domestic issues.
Critics have also noted a contradiction in Modi’s call for Indians to limit foreign travel to conserve reserves while he continues to travel extensively. However, the government insists these trips strengthen India’s global position, enhance partnerships, and support national interests.
