India a very big abuser of trade ties, says Trump as he declares meet with PM Modi

New Delhi: Former US president Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week during his visit to the US. The Republican presidential candidate made the announcement on Tuesday (USA time) while campaigning in Michigan.

PM Modi is a "fantastic man", said Trump, but at the same time called India a "very big abuser" of trade ties.

Stressing that India imposes heavy tariffs on imports, Trump told the crowd, "India is a very big abuser (of trade ties). He (Modi) happens to be coming to meet me next week, and Modi, he's fantastic. I mean, a fantastic man. A lot of these leaders are fantastic." This is not the first time that Trump has raised the issue of tariffs. As president, Trump had raised the issue of tariffs imposed by India on imports, including on Harley Davidson bikes.


Modi will be visiting the United States during September 21-23, the MEA announced on Tuesday. During the visit, the PM will take part in the fourth Quad Leaders' summit in Wilmington, Delaware, which is being hosted by president Joe Biden. Following the request of the US side to host the Quad summit this year, India has agreed to host the next Quad summit in 2025.

On September 23, Modi will address the 'Summit of the Future' at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The theme of the summit is 'Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow'. A large number of global leaders are expected to participate in the summit.