- By Shivangi Sharma
- Wed, 19 Feb 2025 04:53 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a recent interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity, US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his firm stance on trade policies and tariff structures, particularly in relation to India. Trump recounted a conversation he had with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he emphasised the need for reciprocal tariffs between the two nations.
“I told Prime Minister Modi yesterday—he was here—I said, ‘Here’s what we’re going to do: reciprocal. Whatever you charge, I’m charging,’” Trump stated during the interview. According to him, PM Modi expressed reservations about this approach, but Trump insisted, saying, “No, no, whatever you charge, I’m going to charge. I’m doing that with every country.”
Trump criticised the high tariffs imposed by various nations, including India, on US imports, specifically in the automobile sector. He argued that such policies create an unfair trade environment for American businesses. “The tariffs are so high,” he said, adding that India’s import duties on foreign cars can reach up to 100 per cent.
Elon Musk, who was present during the interview, corroborated Trump’s statement, confirming that India's auto import tariffs are indeed at 100 per cent. “Yeah, that’s peanuts. So much higher. And others too,” Trump responded, reinforcing his claim that the US must take strong measures to counteract these high duties.
ALSO READ: Kerala: Seven Suspended For Ragging First Year Student At Thiruvananthapuram Govt College
Trump On Trade With India
Trump reiterated that his policy of matching tariffs was not just aimed at India but applied to all countries. “Nobody can argue with me,” Trump insisted. “If I said 25 per cent, they’d say, ‘Oh, that’s terrible.’ I don’t say that anymore... because I say, ‘Whatever they charge, we’ll charge.’ And you know what? They stop.”
Trump also addressed concerns regarding global manufacturing and investment, arguing that foreign companies should not be given preferential treatment when setting up factories abroad. “Now, if he built the factory in India, that’s okay, but that’s unfair to us. It’s very unfair,” he stated.
The issue of trade tariffs has been a longstanding topic of contention between the US and India. While India maintains that its tariff policies are designed to protect domestic industries, the US has frequently pushed for more equitable terms in trade agreements. Under Trump’s presidency, his administration has taken a hardline approach toward trade relations.