WASHINGTON, Feb 20: President Donald Trump expressed that if Elon Musk’s Tesla constructs a factory in India to bypass that nation’s tariffs, it would be unjust to the United States.
Trump’s remarks came as he is looking to significantly raise tariffs.
On February 13, just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Trump at the White House, the US President declared reciprocal tariffs.
In a recent interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, Trump noted that he informed Prime Minister Modi that India imposes the highest tariffs globally during their meeting.
Trump mentioned that it is “impossible” for Musk to sell a vehicle in India.
“Every country in the world takes advantage of us, and they do it with tariffs… It is practically impossible to sell a car, for instance, in India,” he stated.
“If he (Musk) builds the factory in India, that’s fine, but that’s unfair to us. It’s quite unfair,” Trump commented in the interview.
Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency, was also present during the discussion.
Recently, electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla began hiring for various roles in India, including business operations analyst and customer support specialist.
This move is perceived as a signal of the company’s entry into the Indian market.
According to the job listings on the company’s website, the positions are specifically for the ‘Mumbai Suburban’ area.
Trump mentioned during the interview that he also addressed the tariff issue with Modi.
“I told Prime Minister Modi… Here’s what we do. We are going to… treat you fairly.”
When questioned if the tariffs imposed by India were at 36%,
Trump stated, “Much, much higher.”
Musk added, “It’s 100 percent on — auto imports are 100 percent.”
‘Here’s our plan: reciprocal. Whatever you charge, I will charge,’” President Trump remarked.
“He (Modi) responded, ‘No, no, I don’t agree with that.’ ‘No, no, whatever you charge, I’m going to charge.’ I’m implementing that with every nation.”
Musk replied, “It seems fair.” (PTI)
