Thu Feb 20 01:32:08 UTC 2025: **Trump Slams Potential Tesla Factory in India as “Unfair” to US**

NEW DELHI (The Hindu) – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Tesla’s potential factory construction in India, asserting it would be detrimental to American interests. In a Fox News interview aired Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Trump highlighted India’s high import tariffs on cars, calling them unfair and practically impossible for U.S. automakers to compete with. While acknowledging progress towards an early trade deal with India during Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit, Trump emphasized the need for reciprocal trade practices.

Trump’s comments follow reports that Tesla is scouting locations for showrooms in New Delhi and Mumbai and has posted job advertisements in India. Although Tesla does not currently manufacture vehicles in India, the Indian government recently introduced a new EV policy reducing import taxes to 15% for companies investing at least $500 million and establishing local manufacturing facilities.

Trump specifically stated that if Tesla CEO Elon Musk chose to build a factory in India, it would be “unfair to us,” suggesting such a move would circumvent U.S. trade interests. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has yet to respond to requests for comment. This latest statement further fuels concerns about Trump’s previously announced plans for reciprocal tariffs on all countries imposing taxes on U.S. imports, heightening the risk of a global trade war.

Read More