‘Uninformed, in poor taste’: India rebukes Trump-linked ‘hell-hole’ comment
India on Thursday strongly criticised Donald Trump's remarks made in a social media post referring to Indians as “hell-hole”, calling them “uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste,” hours after a clarification from the US embassy.
Without directly naming Donald Trump, the Ministry of External Affairs said the comments did not reflect the reality of bilateral ties.
“We have seen the comments, as also the subsequent statement issued by the US embassy in response. The remarks are obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
He added that such remarks “certainly do not reflect the reality of the India-US relationship, which has long been based on mutual respect and shared interests.”
Row triggered by podcast repost
The controversy erupted after Donald Trump shared a post featuring comments by radio host Michael Savage, who described India, China and other countries in derogatory terms, including calling them “hell-holes.”
The post included a transcript and video from the podcast Savage Nation, drawing sharp reactions online.
US Embassy issues clarification
Amid the backlash, the US Embassy in New Delhi issued a statement emphasising that Donald Trump holds India in high regard.
It said the US President considers India a “great country” and noted his personal friendship with its leadership, in what was seen as a damage-control move following the controversy.
Criticism from Indian-American groups
The Hindu American Foundation said it was “deeply disturbed” by the post, calling it a “hateful, racist screed” targeting Indian and Chinese communities.
The organisation warned that amplifying such rhetoric could “stoke hatred and endanger our communities” at a time when xenophobia is already a concern.
Political reactions also emerge
The issue also drew reactions from Indian political leaders. Priyanka Chaturvedi referred to the remarks during a public appearance, calling them “scathing” and flagging the controversy surrounding the post.
Despite the row, India reiterated that ties with the United States remain strong and rooted in shared interests, signalling an effort to prevent the controversy from escalating into a larger diplomatic issue.
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