Donald Trump calls India, China, Brazil as 'tremendous tariff makers'

“We're going to put tariffs on outside countries and outside people that really mean harm to us. Well, they mean us harm, but they basically want to make their country good,” Trump was quoted as saying by Business Standard.

While speaking at an event in Florida, Trump said: "Look at what others do. China is a tremendous tariff maker, and India and Brazil, and so many other countries."

Meanwhile, Trump on Monday said New Delhi would take necessary steps in repatriating its nationals illegally staying in Washington following a phone call with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, media reports said.

Modi on Monday spoke to Trump for the first time since the 78-year-old Republican leader returned to office.

The Indian prime minister posted on X, "Delighted to speak with my dear friend President @realDonaldTrump @POTUS. Congratulated him on his historic second term. We are committed to a mutually beneficial and trusted partnership. We will work together for the welfare of our people and towards global peace, prosperity, and security."

Speaking to reporters, Trump said India will do "what is right" when it comes to taking back illegal immigrants.

The US president also said Modi is likely to visit the White House in February.

Trump, who returned to power with a massive mandate in November 5 last year elections, launched a major crackdown on illegal immigration and said he will take steps to secure the US borders.

He said in his inaugural address as the president, "All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came."