Mishall Bhathena in an RTI had sought to know from the External Affairs Ministry the total expenses incurred by the Indian government during Donald Trump’s visit to India.
Mumbai: For the 36-hour State visit by former US President Donald Trump in 2020, the Center spent over Rs.38 lakh on lodging, meals, logistics, etc., according to information provided to the Central Information Commission by the External Affairs Ministry.
On February 24–25, 2020, Donald Trump made his first trip to India, visiting Ahmedabad, Agra, and New Delhi with his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and a number of senior officials.
On February 24, he spent three hours in Ahmedabad, where he attended a 22-kilometer roadshow, honoured Mahatma Gandhi at the Sabarmati Ashram, and delivered the “Namaste Trump” address alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the recently constructed Motera Cricket Stadium.
Later that day, Donald Trump took a flight to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.
On February 25, he paid a visit to the capital city and met with PM Modi in person.
In an RTI, one Mishall Bhathena asked the External Affairs Ministry for information about all costs incurred by the Indian government during the visit of the US President and First Lady in February 2020, including those for travel, lodging, food, security, and other costs.
After Mishall Bhathena, who had submitted the application on October 24, 2020, did not receive a response, he first appealed, and then he went to the Commission, the last appeals body for RTI issues.
On August 4, 2022, the EAM submitted a document to the Commission, citing COVID-19 as the reason for the delay in providing a response.
“Expenditure by host nations on incoming State Visits by Heads of State/Heads of Government is a well-established practice and in accordance with internationally accepted norms.”
Also Read | India’s First E-Double Decker Bus Launched In Mumbai
“In this context, the Government of India incurred certain expenses on accommodation, meals, logistics in connection with the State Visit to India by the US President Donald J Trump to India from 24-25 February. The expenditure is estimated at Rs. 38,00,000 approximately,” the submission said.
Chief Information Commissioner YK Sinha said the ministry has sufficiently explained the reason for the delay in providing the reply after reviewing submissions.
“Even after receiving notice of the hearing, the appellant has decided not to support his position. Therefore, the reason for the appellant’s unhappiness with the information presented cannot be determined “explained Mr. Sinha.
As an independent media platform, we do not take advertisements from governments and corporate houses. It is you, our readers, who have supported us on our journey to do honest and unbiased journalism. Please contribute, so that we can continue to do the same in future.
