Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday criticised India as a "very big abuser" of its trade relationship with the U.S. and announced plans to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week, according to Reuters. The remark was made during a campaign rally in Flint, Michigan, as Trump prepares for the 2024 presidential race as the Republican candidate.
Trump has previously expressed concerns about India's trade practices, accusing the country of imposing high taxes on American goods. In August 2023, he proposed reciprocal taxes on Indian products if elected. His criticism echoes similar comments from 2019, when he cited Harley-Davidson motorcycles as a beneficiary under the Generalised System of Preferences Programme for developing countries.
Despite his critique of India's trade policies, Trump described Modi as a "fantastic" leader, adding, "He happens to be coming to meet me next week." However, Trump did not elaborate on the specifics of his concerns or the details of the upcoming meetings.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit the U.S. from September 21 to 23, participating in the Quad Leaders' Summit hosted by President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, and speaking at the 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Indian government has not confirmed any meetings between Modi and Trump during this trip.