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Donald Trump called US-India trade ties “one-sided,” accusing India of imposing some of the world’s highest tariffs while freely exporting to the US.
US President Donald Trump speaks during an event (Photo: AP)
Donald Trump on Wednesday called the relationship between India and the United States “one-sided” and said this has been the same for many years.
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Speaking to reporters, days after he justified the 50 percent tariffs imposed on Indian imports, the US President argued that India imposed some of the highest tariffs in the world, which made it difficult for American companies to do business there, while Indian goods flowed freely into the US market.
Trump also spoke about the case of Harley-Davidson, which he said faced a 200 per cent tariff on its motorcycles in India. According to him, the company eventually set up a plant in India to avoid paying the duties.
The President claimed that his administration’s tariff policies are now encouraging global manufacturers, including carmakers, to set up production units in the United States.
“We get along with India very well, but for many years, it was a one-sided relationship. India was charging us tremendous tariffs, the highest in the world,” Trump told reporters.
“We weren’t doing much business with India, but they were doing business with us because we weren’t charging them foolishly. They would send in a massive amount of everything they made, and pour it into our country,” he asserted.
“Therefore, it wouldn’t be made here, which is a negative,” the US President added.
“Harley-Davidson couldn’t sell in India. There was a 200 per cent tariff on a motorcycle. Harley-Davidson went to India and built a motorcycle plant. Now they don’t have to pay tariffs,” he claimed.
“Thousands of companies are coming into the US. We have many car company factories under construction, they’re coming from China, Mexico and Canada. They want to build here for two reasons. Number 1, they’d like to be here. And number 2, the tariffs are protecting them. And number 3, they want to avoid paying tariffs,” Trump said.
About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
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