US President Donald Trump criticized Indian trade policies and the decision to buy weapons from Russia while announcing that the US would impose tariffs of 25% on India.

President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands before their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020
Trump is critical of India’s foreign and trade policies, despite his close relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

US President Donald Trump has confirmed a 25% tariff on Indian exports to the United States as well as other financial penalties to begin on August 1. The decision comes as the US and India have not yet reached a trade deal.

“While India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country,” Trump claimed in a post on his Truth Social platform.

“They have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of Energy, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE — ALL THINGS NOT GOOD!” Trump added.