India has strongly objected to remarks shared by US president Donald Trump that described the country as a “hellhole”, calling them ill-informed and inappropriate, even as the US embassy in New Delhi attempted to contain the diplomatic fallout.
The controversy erupted after Trump reposted a transcript and video from conservative commentator Michael Savage’s podcast Savage Nation. The comments included sweeping and offensive claims about Indian and Chinese immigrants, describing them as “gangsters with laptops” and accusing them of harming the US economy.
Savage’s remarks were made in the context of a debate over birthright citizenship in the US, currently under scrutiny in the US Supreme Court. He alleged that immigrants from countries like India travel to the US to secure citizenship for their children, calling the system flawed.
The External Affairs Ministry has reacted sharply. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the remarks were “obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste”.
He stressed that such comments do not reflect the depth of India-US ties, which are built on mutual respect and shared strategic interests.
Hours after the post triggered outrage, the US embassy in New Delhi issued a clarification, quoting Trump as saying, “India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top.” The statement did not specify when or where Trump made the remark.
The development comes ahead of a planned visit by US secretary of state Marco Rubio, who is expected to engage with Indian officials to ease recent tensions.
The remarks have drawn criticism both in India and the US. Congressman Ami Bera termed them “offensive” and inconsistent with the dignity of the office.
Advocacy group Hindu American Foundation warned that such rhetoric could fuel xenophobia and endanger minority communities.
In India, the opposition Congress described the comments as “extremely insulting and anti-India”, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the issue with Trump.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said Indians have made significant contributions to the US and questioned why the issue was not being taken up more strongly at the highest levels.
The episode adds to recent strains in India-US ties, even as both sides continue engagement on trade and strategic issues. A 12-member Indian delegation led by aditional secretary Darpan Jain recently held talks in Washington with US officials including Brendan Lynch on a proposed bilateral trade agreement.
Jaiswal said the discussions were “ongoing and constructive”, with both countries working towards a balanced and mutually beneficial deal, targeting bilateral trade of $500 billion by 2030.
Meanwhile, US trade representative Jamieson Greer described India as a “tough nut to crack” in trade negotiations.
Trump, who has made immigration a central political issue, has repeatedly targeted visa programmes widely used by Indian technology professionals. His latest repost also included unverified claims about hiring practices and language skills of Indian immigrants.
The sharp rhetoric marks a contrast to decades of bipartisan efforts in Washington to strengthen ties with India, often seen as a key strategic partner and counterweight to China.