Trump recalls warning PM Modi about reciprocal tariffs: Modi said, 'I don't like that'

US President Donald Trump who met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House on Feb 17 in a recent interview recounted a candid exchange with Modi over trade tariffs, highlighting tensions over India’s steep import duties on American goods.

Speaking alongside billionaire Elon Musk in his first-ever joint televised interview, Trump reiterated his stance on reciprocal tariffs, asserting that the US would match the tariffs imposed by other nations. He specifically criticized India's 100% tariff on auto imports, calling it "very unfair."

Recalling the conversation, Trump stated that he told Modi, "Whatever countries charge the US, we charge them." He claimed that India imposes some of the highest tariffs in the world, making it difficult for American businesses to compete.

Trump and Modi met at the White House on Feb 17, marking their first bilateral talks since Trump began his second term in office. Their discussions covered a range of critical topics, including trade, technology, mass deportations, and tariffs.

During the interview with FOX News, Trump remarked, “Every country in the world takes advantage of us with tariffs. They make it impossible for us to sell a car in India.” Musk chimed in, confirming that India’s import duty on automobiles stands at 100%.

Trump argued that India’s tariff policies force foreign companies to manufacture locally rather than exporting to the Indian market. “If he [Musk] builds the factory in India, that’s okay, but that’s unfair to us,” Trump said.

Recounting his exchange with Modi, Trump said, "I told Prime Minister Modi that the US is going to be very fair with him." He continued, "I said, ‘Here’s what we’re going to do: reciprocal tariffs. Whatever you charge, I’m charging.’ According to Trump, Modi said, “No, no, I don’t like that."

Trump reiterated his firm stance on trade, saying, “Nobody can argue with me.” On Feb 17, he formally announced a policy of reciprocal tariffs, stating that the US will impose the same duties on imports as other nations place on American goods.

"On trade, for fairness, I'll charge reciprocal tariffs—no more, no less," Trump declared from the Oval Office, emphasizing that no country, including India, would receive exemptions. “India imposes more tariffs than any other country,” he added.