PM Modi Rejects Foreign Travel Tax Rumours, Says ‘Not An Iota Of Truth’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday firmly denied reports claiming that the Centre was considering imposing a cess or surcharge on foreign travel. In a rare direct intervention, the Prime Minister dismissed the claims as completely false and clarified that the government has no plans to place restrictions on overseas travel.

The report had claimed that discussions regarding a possible foreign travel tax were taking place at the "highest levels" of the government.

PM Modi Issues Strong Clarification On X

Responding publicly on social media platform X, PM Modi categorically rejected the claims and reassured citizens about the government's approach.

"This is totally false. Not an iota of truth in this. There is no question of putting such restrictions on foreign travel. We remain committed to improving 'Ease of Doing Business' and 'Ease of Living' for our people," the Prime Minister wrote.

This is totally false.

Not an iota of truth in this.

There is no question of putting such restrictions on foreign travel.

We remain committed to improving ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and ‘Ease of Living’ for our people. https://t.co/9lxjbxz0nV

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 15, 2026

The statement drew significant attention online as it is uncommon for the Prime Minister to personally rebut media speculation.

Report Claimed Proposal Was Under Discussion

The original report had alleged that the government was examining the possibility of introducing a cess, surcharge or tax on international travel.

According to the claims, the proposal was reportedly being discussed at senior levels within the government and was linked to concerns over the fiscal impact of the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the US, Israel and Iran.

The report further suggested that the move could help offset rising crude oil prices and increasing import costs.

Media Outlet Withdraws Report After PM's Response

Shortly after PM Modi's post, the media organisation behind the report withdrew the story and admitted that the information published was inaccurate.

The outlet also expressed regret over the error in a post shared on X.

The clarification effectively ended speculation surrounding the possibility of a temporary levy on foreign travel.

Claims Included One-Year Temporary Cess

The withdrawn report had also stated that the proposed cess would directly go to the Centre and remain in force for one year.

It further claimed that the Finance Ministry had not responded to queries regarding the proposal before the report was published.

With the Prime Minister's direct clarification now on record, the government has officially denied any move to introduce a foreign travel tax.