NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday strongly rejected reports claiming that the Centre was considering imposing a cess, tax or surcharge on foreign travel to offset the fiscal impact of the ongoing conflict-linked economic pressures.Responding to the report in a post on X, PM Modi said, “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.” PM Modi’s response came after a media report quoting government sources claimed that discussions were taking place at the “highest levels” regarding a possible temporary cess or surcharge on foreign travel.According to the report, the proposed levy was being considered to cushion the fiscal impact arising from the ongoing war situation and rising crude oil and import costs.The report further claimed that any cess, tax or surcharge on foreign travel would flow directly to the Centre instead of the divisible tax pool and could remain in place for one year as a temporary measure.The report also stated that the finance ministry had not responded to queries regarding the proposal.However, PM Modi denied the claims and asserted that the government remained focused on easing business and travel-related processes for citizens rather than imposing new restrictions.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week addressing a public gathering in Hyderabad on May 10 had appealed to citizens to avoid buying gold and postpone non-essential foreign travel for a year in order to conserve foreign exchange reserves amid the global energy crisis triggered by the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’I Am Sorry To…’: Shashi Tharoor To Skip VD Satheesan’s Swearing-In As Kerala CMNEET UG 2026 Re-Exam On June 21, Computer-Based Test Format From Next Year: Education MinisterOman To Gujarat: India Fast-Tracks Deep-Sea Gas Pipeline Project Amid Hormuz CrisisCJI Surya Kant Makes Strong Remarks During Senior Advocate HearingKerala CM-Designate Satheesan Hits Back At BJP Over IUML, Secularism DebateFormer RAW Chief Flags Security Risks Over PM Modi’s Convoy DownsizingTMC MP Derek O’Brien Slams Centre After Petrol-Diesel Hike, Targets Modi Government’Bhojshala Complex Is A Temple, Hindus Have Right To Worship’: MP High CourtSergey Lavrov Says India Could Play Long-Term Mediator Role In US-Iran ConflictNEET-UG 2026 Leak: From Secret Bunkers To Printing Presses, How The Exam Paper Escaped The System123PhotostoriesFrom transparent bodies to underground lives: 5 bizarre frogs you’ve probably never heard of8 modern TV unit designs to instantly upgrade your living roomPersonality test: Mango, litchi, watermelon? Pick a fruit and see if you are a natural leader, kind, or creativeCannes 2026:Why Sanam Saeed’s Cannes debut is a major moment for Pakistani cinemaHow to grow butterfly-friendly native plants in Indian city home gardensNot just travel: 10 cheapest countries to retire in — 9 and 10 will surprise you5 adorable dog breeds that stay puppy-sized foreverSuccess quote of the day by Dalai Lama: “The goal is not to be better than the other man, but…”10 hobbies that have the power to slowly upgrade your lifeHorses can sleep standing up? 5 surprising facts about these animals123Hot PicksCBSE class 12 resultUS Iran warPrateek YadavHaryana election resultForeign outflowNEET exam cancelledTamil Nadu assemblyTop TrendingNEET UG Re-Exam dateAdmit card indian army agniveer gdIPL Points TablePM ModiKerala Board SSLC Result 2026IPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026Bengaluru RapeWho is Shubham KhairnarIndia UA Trade Talk
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday strongly rejected reports claiming that the Centre was considering imposing a cess, tax or surcharge on foreign travel to offset the fiscal impact of the ongoing conflict-linked economic pressures.Responding to the report in a post on X, PM Modi said, “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.”

PM Modi’s response came after a media report quoting government sources claimed that discussions were taking place at the “highest levels” regarding a possible temporary cess or surcharge on foreign travel.According to the report, the proposed levy was being considered to cushion the fiscal impact arising from the ongoing war situation and rising crude oil and import costs.The report further claimed that any cess, tax or surcharge on foreign travel would flow directly to the Centre instead of the divisible tax pool and could remain in place for one year as a temporary measure.The report also stated that the finance ministry had not responded to queries regarding the proposal.However, PM Modi denied the claims and asserted that the government remained focused on easing business and travel-related processes for citizens rather than imposing new restrictions.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week addressing a public gathering in Hyderabad on May 10 had appealed to citizens to avoid buying gold and postpone non-essential foreign travel for a year in order to conserve foreign exchange reserves amid the global energy crisis triggered by the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.