As of August 2024, Narendra Modi has made 77 foreign trips, visiting 67 countries including the visits to United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly, to Asian countries, following his neighbourhood first and act east policies.
Modi arrived for a two-day visit to Nepal on 3 August. The last visit of an Indian prime minister to Nepal was 17 years ago in 1997 by Inder Kumar Gujral.[1][Note I] The talks with Nepal were focused on reviewing the 1950s Treaty of Peace and Friendship, India-funded hydroelectricity projects in Nepal and other infrastructure projects in Nepal.[2] Following Jana Andolan, that marked the beginning of constitutional democracy in 1990, Modi became the first foreign leader to address the Federal Parliament of Nepal.[3][4] The Western media read it as a shift in foreign affairs for India,[5] as well as a Nepal policy shift.[6] He performed puja at the fifth century Pashupatinath temple (where he donated Rs. 25 crores and the high priest, Ganesh Bhatta, said: "I told him that we see him as a mascot for Hinduism, and appreciate his efforts in saving Hindu culture").[7] Further he pledged not to interfere in Nepal's internal affairs (following controversy of appointment of Indian priests at a Nepali temple),[8] Modi announced a credit assistance programme of US$1 billion to Nepal and said "Nepal can free India of its darkness with its electricity. But [sic] we don't want free electricity, we want to buy it. Just by selling electricity to India, Nepal can find a place in the developed countries of the world." He also told Nepali MPs he wanted to turn India's "hostile borders benign and ultimately gateways for free trade and commerce...borders must be bridges not barriers." The Kathmandu Post reacted in writing: "Modi mantra warms Nepal's hearts."[5] The New York Times also suggested the lack of a meeting with former King Gyanendra of Nepal signified that India would not support a return to monarchy[6] despite the lack of a new constitution of Nepal. The commonality of a majority Hindu heritage was also played up.[7]
Modi visited Japan on a five-day official trip from 30 August to 3 September, which is labelled as his first bilateral visit outside the subcontinent. His 2014 visit further strengthened the ties between the two countries, and resulted in several key agreements, including the elevating of the already established strategic partnership to the "Special Strategic Global Partnership". During his visit, official negotiations on the sale of 2 amphibious aircraft for the Indian Navy and the long pending civil nuclear agreements have both progressed.[9][10]
Modi delivered his maiden speech in the 69th session of the United Nations General Assembly on 27 September 2014, in which he called for the reform and expansion of the United Nations Security Council, most notably bringing attention to India's long standing demand of a permanent membership. He expressed his concerns over the relevance of a 20th century setup in the 21st century, and stressed the need to evaluate the UN's performance in the past 70 years. He also questioned why the UN should serve as the G-All for global governance, instead of several parallel sub-groupings like the G7 or G20. In the wake of the ISIS threat in West Asia and other similar threats in other parts of the world, Modi urged for the immediate implementation of the 'Comprehensive on International Terrorism' by the UN and offered India's pro-active role in it, citing India as a victim of terrorism for decades. Prior to his speech, he, along with Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, met with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, to discuss issues relating to UN governance.[15] Modi also ridiculed the possibility of any multilateral intervention on the issue of Kashmir, a demand Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made in his address at the UN General Assembly on 26 September, stating that the Indian government is ready for 'bilateral talk' with Pakistan provided that Pakistan cultivate a suitable environment for talks by giving up its terrorism policy against India.[16] Modi commented briefly on climate change and the use of clean energy. In this regard, he also asked world leaders and UN officials to recognise and observe International Yoga Day, in order to emphasise the importance of incorporating Yoga into a modern-day lifestyle.[17] Modi was also known to observe fast during a White House dinner for the Hindu festival of Navratri.[18]
Modi became the first Indian head of government to visit Fiji after 33 years, since Indira Gandhi's visit in 1981.[21] While there, he also attended a 'Forum for India-Pacific Island cooperation' along with leaders from all 14 Pacific islands nations.[22]
Modi's visit to Seychelles was part of his "Indian Ocean outreach" programme.[23][24] While there, he held talks with President James Alexis Michel in order to strengthen maritime ties and enhance bilateral development and cooperation.[25]
Modi was scheduled to visit Sri Lanka earlier, in January 2015.[27] He eventually made this visit from 13–15 March 2015, following newly-inaugurated Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena's visit to New Delhi in February. During this trip, Modi also visited the city of Jafna in the Northern Province.[23][28]
Prime Minister Modi attended the state funeral of Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore. There, at the sidelines, he met several world leaders including the Israeli President. It was his first visit to Singapore, and he is expected to visit again during the later part of the year for the golden jubilee celebration of India and Singapore's diplomatic relations.[29]
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi encouraged French companies to participate in the Make in India programme in defense, civil nuclear power and food processing.[30][31]
Modi had worked out a visit to Berlin following his first meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Modi had planned to work out a bilateral meeting between India and Germany earlier, in July 2014, while he spent 2 nights there on his onward and return journey to Brazil but this did not take place due to scheduling issues. Modi, most notably, visited Hannover where he pitched his Make in India campaign to various German industries.[30][31]
Modi made his first visit to the People's Republic of China in May 2015. President Xi Jinping received Modi in Xi'an, his home town (akin to Xi's Ahmedabad trip last September, the home town of Modi), before official talks in Beijing.[32]
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to Bangladesh from 6 – 7 June 2015 at the invitation of Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh. This visit, the Prime Minister's first to Bangladesh, reflects the importance of the bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh. During this visit, the Prime Minister discussed the ratification of te Bangladesh–India Land Boundary Agreement - 1974 & Protocol- 2011. The visit is expected to further expand the cordial and cooperative relationship between the two countries and strengthen the ties of friendship and trust between India and Bangladesh.
During the visit, Prime Minister held discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Prime Minister's programme will also include a call on the President of Bangladesh Abdul Hamid.[34]
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong invited Modi to visit Singapore in 2015 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of India and Singapore's bilateral ties[46]
The agenda of this visit was energy, security, trade and well-being of Indian workers[49][48] Modi is first Indian conferred Order of King Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia's highest honour for non-Muslim dignitaries.[50]
Held progress review meeting with President Barack Obama on defence, security and energy, and also addressed a joint session of United States Congress.[55]
India, Spain Ink 7 agreements in cyber security, cooperation in renewable energy, cooperation in organ transplantation, technical cooperation in civil aviation, transfer of sentenced persons and waiving of visas for diplomatic passport holders.[66]
11 agreements signed included cooperation in outer space, double taxation avoidance, nano technology, improving cultural ties, youth and sports, higher education, scientific research, and setting up of an India–Portugal Business Hub and an Indian Chamber of Commerce.[69]
7 MoUs signed: Industrial Research and Development and Technological Innovation Fund, Water Conservation, State Water Utility Reform, 3-year work program in Agriculture 2018–20, cooperation regarding atomic clocks, GEO-LEO optical link, Electric Propulsion for Small Satellites.[73]
First visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 30 years. Meeting with Prime Minister Hani Al-Mulki and King Abdullah II of Jordan, discussions for India–Jordan bilateral relations.[79]
First visit by an Indian Prime Minister. Signed six agreements worth around USD 50 million that includes setting up of a USD 30 million super speciality hospital in Beit Sahur. Construction of a centre for empowering women. During his visit he was conferred the highest civilian award of the Palestine, Grand Collar of the State of Palestine[80]
Awarding a consortium of Indian oil companies a 10% stake in offshore oil concession; administration of contractual employment of Indian workers in the Gulf country; technical cooperation in railways, joint research and technology transfer; cooperation in the field of finance, an MoU between Bombay Stock Exchange and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange; multi-modal logistics park and hub in Jammu comprising warehouses and specialised storage solutions.[82]
Met Sultan Qaboos; signed eight agreements, including an MoU on legal and judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters; signed annexutre to the MoU on military cooperation; academic and scholarly cooperation between National Defence College, Sultanate of Oman and the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses; cooperation between Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of External Affairs, India and Oman's Diplomatic Institute; cooperation in the field of health, tourism and peaceful uses of outer space; legal and judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters;[84]
Met with Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on agreements concerning peace and security in the Indo-Pacitic region, naval cooperation, among others topics.[89]
During his visit, the prime minister met Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and received the Order of Zayed, the highest civilian award of the UAE.
First ever visit by an Indian prime minister to the Kingdom. During his visit, He held talks with Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain and received the King Hamad Order of the Renaissance, the third highest civilian decoration of Bahrain.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an event in Houston with Indian Americans along US President Donald Trump and took part in bilateral and multilateral talks with the heads of government of Pacific island nations. In another event at New York he was presented the Global Goalkeeper Award by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to met French President Emmanuel Macron who has been re-elected in 2022. They discussed about bilateral and global issues.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Quad Leaders' Meeting and held bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Joe Biden.
Attended FIPIC summit hosted by Papuan Prime Minister James Marape, received Order of Logohu, the highest civilian honour of Papua New Guinea and Order of Fiji, the highest civilian honour of Fiji.
PM Modi paid a state visit to Egypt on the invitation of the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and received Order of the Nile, the highest civilian honour of Egypt.
PM Modi paid an official visit to Greece on the invitation of the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and received Order of Honour, the second-highest civilian honour of Greece.
PM Modi paid a state visit to Bhutan on the invitation of the Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and received Order of the Dragon King, the highest civilian honour of Bhutan.
PM Modi paid an Official visit to Russia on the invitation of the Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit. He also interacted with Indian diaspora in Moscow.