Download the app
← Latest news

Modi brands foreign travel tax rumours totally false denying any cess surcharge or restrictions

Politics
Published on 15 May 2026
Modi brands foreign travel tax rumours totally false denying any cess surcharge or restrictions

He says there is “not an iota of truth”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday rubbished media and social media claims that India may impose a new tax, cess or surcharge on foreign travel to manage war related fiscal strain and higher crude import costs. Responding to a viral graphic citing “highest levels” discussions, Modi said there was “not an iota of truth” and that there was “no question” of restricting foreign travel. The finance ministry had not commented before his clarification, while he reiterated focus on “Ease of Doing Business” and “Ease of Living.”

  • Modi called the foreign travel tax reports “totally false”
  • He rejected claims of any cess or surcharge discussions
  • The viral graphic cited unnamed sources and “highest levels”
  • Rumours linked the levy to war based fiscal pressures
  • Reports blamed higher crude oil prices for the supposed move
  • Finance ministry had not issued an official response earlier
Read the full story at The Economic Times

This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on The Economic TimesThe Economic Times

The full experience is on mobile.

Swipe through stories, personalise your feed, and save articles for later — all on the app.