India has strongly criticized remarks shared by Donald Trump that described the country as a “hellhole.”
India has condemned comments reposted by Donald Trump on Truth Social, calling the remarks “uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste.”
Trump shared a transcript of comments made by podcaster Michael Savage during a discussion on US birthright citizenship. In the transcript, Savage accused people from India and China of abusing immigration rules and referred to India as a “hellhole.”
India’s foreign ministry responded without naming Trump or Savage directly. It said the comments do not reflect the reality of the India-US relationship, which has long been built on mutual respect and shared interests.
The remarks triggered political backlash inside India. The opposition Indian National Congress called the statement insulting and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to formally protest.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for ties between Washington and Delhi. Trade disputes, tariffs, and US pressure on India over purchases of Russian oil have recently strained relations.
At the same time, both countries continue negotiations on broader economic and strategic cooperation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit India next month.
Trump has also intensified rhetoric on immigration and work visas, including the H-1B program heavily used by Indian professionals.
The latest row highlights how political language can quickly complicate one of the world’s most important diplomatic partnerships.