Donald Trump recalls tough tariff talks with PM Modi: He goes I don't like that

United States President Donald Trump, who met Prime Minster Narendran Modi in the White House on February 17, recalled his conversation on reciprocal tariffs during his recent interview. In his first-ever joint televised interview with billionaire Elon Musk, the US President said that India has imposed 100 per cent tariffs for some goods, adding that "it is very unfair."

PM Modi visited the United States last week and held bilateral talks with Trump, for the first time since he assumed office as the Unites States President for his second term. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed a range of pressing issues, including tariffs, mass deportation, trade, technology, among others. But ahead of the much-awaited meeting, Trump made it clear: "Whatever countries charge US, we charge them."

Speaking about tariffs imposed by India, Trump said in an interview with FOX News, "every country in the world takes advantage of us, and they do it with tariffs. They make it impossible for him to sell a car, practically, in, as an example, India. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I think..."

To this, Elon Musk, who was sitting beside him, said, "The tariffs are like 100 percent import duty."

The US President argued that such tariffs make it nearly impossible for American companies to sell in India.

"The tariffs are so high," Trump said, adding, "they don’t want to — now, if he built the factory in India, that’s okay, but that’s unfair to us. It’s very unfair."

"And I said, “You know what we do?” I told Prime Minister Modi yesterday — he was here. I said, "Here’s what you do. We’re going to do — be very fair with you.” They charge the highest tariffs in the world, just about."

When asked if it is 36 per cent, Trump said "it's much, much higher". To this, Elon Musk said, "It’s 100 percent on auto imports."

Trump said that PM Modi did not like the idea, "I said, “Here’s what we’re going to do: reciprocal. Whatever you charge, I’m charging.” He goes, “No, no, I don’t like that.” “No, no, whatever you charge, I’m going to charge.” I’m doing that with every country."

"Nobody can argue with me," Trump added.

Trump announced on February that the country will impose reciprocal tariffs on nations that levy duties on American imports, matching their rates accordingly.

"On trade, I have decided that for the purpose of fairness, I'll charge reciprocal tariffs - meaning, whatever countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them - no more, no less. They charge us with tax and tariffs, it's very simple we will charge them with exact tax and tariffs," Trump said in the Oval Office at the proclamation signing.

Trump, mentioning India in his announcement, said that no country should expect any exemptions or waivers. "India imposes more tariffs than any other country," the President added.