‘Uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste’: India rebukes Trump over ‘hellhole’ remark

India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday strongly reacted after US President Donald Trump reposted remarks by a right-wing commentator describing India as a “hellhole,” calling the comments “uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste.”

In an official statement, the ministry said the remarks did not reflect “the reality of the India-US relationship,” emphasising that ties between the two countries have long been based on mutual respect and shared interests.

“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. They certainly do not reflect the reality of the India-US relationship,” the statement read.

The response came after Trump shared a transcript from a conservative talk show hosted by Michael Savage, in which India, China and other countries were referred to in derogatory terms. The comments were made during a discussion opposing birthright citizenship in the United States.

Arguing against the policy, which grants automatic citizenship to most people born on US soil, Savage claimed the issue should be decided by public opinion rather than courts. He also criticised the US Constitution, saying it is effectively unchangeable.

During the broadcast, he alleged that immigrants arrive in the US late in pregnancy so their children can obtain citizenship, adding that such policies encourage entire families to migrate. He further claimed that English is no longer widely spoken in parts of the country and questioned the loyalty of newer immigrant communities.