Prime Minister Narendra Modi has added another significant milestone to his political career. Having recently surpassed Jawaharlal Nehru’s record as India’s longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister, Modi has now achieved another notable feat.
Since assuming office in 2014, Prime Minister Modi has completed 100 foreign visits. He reached this milestone during his ongoing week-long tour of France and Slovakia. According to information available on the Prime Minister’s Office website, Modi’s first official foreign visit as Prime Minister was to neighboring Bhutan on June 15–16, 2014. Since then, he has visited a total of 78 countries across the world.
During his first term as Prime Minister between 2014 and 2019, Modi undertook 49 foreign visits. During his second term from 2019 to 2024, he completed 27 foreign tours. Since beginning his third term, he has undertaken 24 foreign visits up to June 2026. Several countries have been visited multiple times as part of India’s diplomatic engagement strategy. Modi is currently attending the G7 Summit in France and is scheduled to return to India on June 18, completing his 24th foreign visit during his third term.
These 100 visits have played an important role in strengthening India’s strategic partnerships around the world. They have also helped attract foreign investment, enhance trade relations, and raise India’s profile on the global stage. According to government sources and diplomatic assessments, India’s international outreach has expanded significantly through sustained engagement with global leaders and partner nations.
Prime Minister Modi’s foreign tours have also contributed to attracting multinational companies and investors to India. Strategic visits to countries including the UAE, the Netherlands, Spain, Norway, and Italy have resulted in several investment commitments, business agreements, and economic partnerships. These diplomatic engagements have opened new trade opportunities and strengthened India’s position in global supply chains.
The Prime Minister’s outreach to Gulf nations has further strengthened India’s energy security. Stronger ties with oil-producing countries have helped ensure stable supplies of crude oil and natural gas, particularly during periods of global energy uncertainty.
Modi’s diplomatic efforts have also contributed to major defense and technology partnerships. India’s acquisition of Rafale fighter jets from France, enhanced defense cooperation with Israel, and technology collaborations with countries such as the United States and the Netherlands have expanded opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing, green energy, quantum computing, and next-generation telecommunications technologies.
India’s global standing has also received a boost through these diplomatic initiatives. Several countries have honored Prime Minister Modi with their highest civilian awards, recognizing India’s growing influence in international affairs. These visits have also provided opportunities to address the concerns of Indian workers, students, and professionals living abroad through direct engagement with foreign governments.
In short, Prime Minister Modi’s foreign visits have gone beyond ceremonial diplomacy. They have served as strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s economy, technology sector, defense capabilities, energy security, and global partnerships.
One of the common questions surrounding these foreign visits concerns the expenses involved. The costs of official foreign tours are primarily borne through government allocations and are coordinated by multiple departments. The Ministry of External Affairs, particularly its Protocol Division, manages the planning and logistical arrangements. The Prime Minister’s Office also contributes to various aspects of the visit, while Indian embassies in host countries assist with local arrangements and coordination. Official records of expenditure are maintained by the concerned government departments.
Another frequently asked question is whether the Prime Minister requires a visa while traveling abroad. The Prime Minister carries a special diplomatic passport, which differs from an ordinary passport and grants several privileges under international diplomatic protocols. Prior to every visit, the governments of both countries complete all necessary diplomatic clearances, security arrangements, protocol procedures, and official permissions to ensure that the visit proceeds smoothly and securely.
