“It’s Very Unfair”: Trump Opposes Tesla Factory Plan in India

Former US President Donald Trump has criticized the idea of Tesla establishing a factory in India to bypass the country’s high import tariffs, calling it “unfair” to the United States.

In an interview with Fox News aired on Tuesday, Trump highlighted India’s steep duties on car imports, an issue he also raised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the US. While both leaders agreed to work toward a trade deal, Trump expressed concerns over tariffs that he claims put American businesses at a disadvantage.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been vocal about India’s import tariffs, which can reach up to 100% on electric vehicles, a policy aimed at protecting domestic automakers like Tata Motors. Trump echoed Musk’s frustrations, stating that selling cars in India under current conditions was nearly “impossible.”

“Every country in the world takes advantage of us, and they do it with tariffs,” Trump said. “It is impossible to sell a car, practically, in, as an example, India.”

Trump further argued that while Tesla building a factory in India would be permitted, it would still be detrimental to the US. “Now, if he built the factory in India, that’s okay, but that’s unfair to us. It’s very unfair,” he stated.

The debate over Tesla’s entry into the Indian market continues, as the EV giant negotiates potential investments in the country while navigating its strict trade policies.