Iran mocks Trump over ‘hell-hole’ remark on India, says ‘take a cultural detox’

Iran’s Consulate General in Mumbai shared a video highlighting Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage, suggesting that a visit to the state could help Trump undergo a “cultural detox.”

“Maybe someone should book a one-way cultural detox for Mr. #Trump, it might just reduce the random bakwaas,” the Consulate posted on X, taking a swipe at Trump over his controversial remark.

“Kabhi #India aa ke dekho, phir bolna (First come and see India and then comment on it),” the post added.

India on Thursday strongly criticised Trump’s remarks, in which he referred to Indians as living in a “hell-hole,” calling the comments “uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste,” hours after the US Embassy issued a clarification.

Without directly naming Trump, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the remarks did not reflect the reality of India-US 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 comments “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 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 across social media.

US Embassy Issues Clarification

Amid the backlash, the US Embassy in New Delhi issued a statement emphasising that Trump holds India in high regard.

It said the US President considers India a “great country” and noted his personal friendship with India’s leadership, in what was widely 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 remains a growing concern.