CNBC-TV18 retracts story on foreign travel tax after PM Modi calls it ‘totally false’

A report by CNBC-TV18 claimed the government was weighing a new surcharge or tax on foreign travel

by e4m Staff
Published: May 16, 2026 7:52 AM | 1 min read

The Indian government has denied a report suggesting it is considering a new tax or cess on foreign travel, with PM Narendra Modi calling the claims "totally false."
The controversy arose from a report by CNBC-TV18, which claimed discussions were ongoing about a temporary surcharge on international travel to address fiscal pressures.
PM Modi emphasized the government's commitment to improving the "Ease of Doing Business" and "Ease of Living" for citizens.
Following the government's clarification, CNBC-TV18 retracted the story, admitting it was inaccurate and expressing regret for the error.

The Indian government has strongly denied a news report claiming that it is considering a new tax or cess on foreign travel. PM Narendra Modi personally addressed the claims, dismissing them as ‘totally false’ and ‘without an iota of truth’.

The controversy erupted after business news outlet CNBC-TV18 published an ‘exclusive’ report claiming that high-level discussions were underway to levy a temporary surcharge on international travel. The report suggested the tax was intended to mitigate fiscal pressures caused by rising crude oil prices and global conflict-related economic impacts.

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

Reacting swiftly to the report on X, PM Modi clarified the government's stance. Following the government's clarification, CNBC-TV18 withdrew the story across all its platforms stating, “Our story on government considering tax/cess on foreign travel is not accurate. We withdraw the story and regret the error.”

Our story on government considering tax/cess on foreign travel is not accurate. We withdraw the story and regret the error. https://t.co/9ExzfSATbl
— Timsy Jaipuria (@TimsyJaipuria) May 15, 2026