Difference Is When Manmohan Singh Was Abroad, Nobody Noticed: Amit Shah

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, contrary to what the opposition claims, has made fewer foreign trips than his predecessor, said BJP chief Amit Shah. "The difference is - when Manmohan Singh travelled abroad, nobody noticed his departure or return," said Mr Shah. He said records substantiate that Prime Minister Modi has visited fewer countries than Dr Singh.

The PM's many foreign tours have been used by the opposition, especially the Congress, to allege that he reneges on governance at home for photo ops abroad with top leaders. Critics also say that PM Modi runs foreign policy single-handedly, virtually benching Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, who has not accompanied him on important trips including to the United States.

PM Modi has visited 43 countries in 27 trips since he took office; his last foreign tour was to Tokyo in November.
 Amit Shah said records substantiate that PM Modi has visited fewer countries than Dr Singh.

Supporters of the PM point out that his trips abroad have played a vast role in boosting India's visibility as a global economic and political power and in building support for important goals like gaining access to the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group, whose member countries control trade in sophisticated nuclear technology and material.

PM Modi is to visit Israel within the next two months and the White House later this year; dates for both landmark trips have not been announced yet.