India’s government has sharply criticized President Donald Trump after he shared a radio transcript online that referred to the nation as a “hellhole,” dismissing the characterization as “obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste.” The incident marks the latest strain in U.S.-India relations during Trump’s second term, as the two countries navigate trade disputes and geopolitical friction over India’s energy imports from Russia.
The post, which Trump shared on his Truth Social account Wednesday without comment, featured a multi-page excerpt from conservative commentator Michael Savage’s talk radio show. In the transcript, Savage railed against birthright citizenship, a constitutional right guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. “A baby here becomes an instant citizen, and then they bring the entire family in from China or India or some other hellhole on the planet,” Savage said, according to the transcript. He also falsely claimed that English is vanishing in America and that immigrant loyalty is waning.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for India’s Ministry of Government Affairs, pushed back forcefully in a statement Thursday. “The remarks are obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste,” Jaiswal said. “They certainly do not reflect the reality of the India-US relationship, which has long been based on mutual respect and shared interests.”
The opposition Congress party in India also condemned the comments, calling them “extremely insulting and anti-India.” In a post on X, the party urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “register a strong objection” directly with Trump. “Trump has repeatedly made insulting remarks about India, and Modi has remained SILENT,” the party wrote. “Narendra Modi is a WEAK PM, and the entire country is bearing the brunt of it.”
Trump signed an executive order at the start of his second term seeking to limit birthright citizenship, arguing the 14th Amendment has been misinterpreted and should not apply to children of undocumented immigrants. The case is now before the Supreme Court, which heard oral arguments earlier this month with Trump in attendance.
The diplomatic row comes as an Indian delegation visited Washington this week for trade negotiations aimed at finalizing a bilateral deal reached in February. Ambassador Sergio Gor said the talks were focused on market access, non-tariff measures, and technical barriers to trade. India’s trade ministry described the meetings as “constructive and positive,” according to Reuters.
Trump and Modi maintained warm ties during the president’s first term, but the relationship has grown more contentious in his second term. Disputes over tariffs and India’s continued purchases of Russian oil have fueled tensions, even as both sides seek to salvage economic cooperation.
Meanwhile, Trump’s tariff policies continue to roil global trade, with importers seeking refunds on invalidated duties. The White House has not commented on India’s criticism of the “hellhole” post.
