Overview
- President Trump reposted a Michael Savage transcript that called India and China “hellholes” while attacking birthright citizenship in the United States.
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the language as “obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste” and said it did not reflect the reality of the partnership.
- The US Embassy in New Delhi sought to limit the fallout by highlighting Trump’s previous praise of India as “a great country,” while several Democratic lawmakers called the remark offensive.
- Public reaction in India has intensified, with Karnataka minister Santosh Lad showing a middle finger on camera and opposition leaders pressing the government for a stronger response.
- Analysts in Indian media say the incident fits a year‑long pattern of slights and warn it could weigh on ongoing trade talks and the push to reset ties during Rubio’s visit next month.