Donald Trump Calls India an ‘Abuser’ on Tariffs, Praises PM Modi as ‘Fantastic Man’

Former US President Donald Trump called India an "abuser" on tariffs but praised PM Narendra Modi as a "fantastic man" during a Michigan campaign event. Trump promised reciprocal trade policies if elected again and confirmed he would meet with Modi during his upcoming visit to the US next week.

During a campaign event in Michigan on Tuesday, former US President Donald Trump criticized India's tariff policies, calling the country an "abuser" when it comes to import tariffs. At the same time, Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a "fantastic man."

Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, mentioned that he would be meeting with PM Modi during his upcoming visit to the United States from September 21 to 23. "India, which is a very big abuser... Modi happens to be coming to meet me next week, and he's fantastic. I mean, fantastic man. A lot of these leaders are fantastic," Trump said.

Trump’s criticism focused on the heavy tariffs India imposes on imports, noting that the country is "very tough" on trade. He highlighted India, Brazil, and China as some of the most challenging nations in trade relations, referring to them as "the sharpest people" who use their trade policies to their advantage. China, he said, is the "toughest of all," but emphasized that his administration had been taking strong measures, especially with tariffs, to manage the situation.

If elected president again, Trump promised to implement a reciprocal trade policy, where the US would impose equivalent tariffs on countries that charge the US high import duties. "If anybody charges us 10 cents, if they charge us USD 2, if they charge us a hundred percent, 250, we charge them the same thing," Trump stated, vowing to either eliminate unfair trade practices or generate significant revenue for the country.

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This event in Michigan marked Trump’s return to the campaign trail following a second assassination attempt in Florida earlier this year. Trump’s remarks come as PM Modi prepares to attend the Quad Leaders' Summit with leaders from Australia, Japan, and the US. Modi will also address a large community event in New York on September 22.