India Slams Trump Over ‘Hellhole’ Remark in Citizenship Row

India has strongly condemned remarks amplified by the U.S. President Donald Trump described the country as a “hellhole,” sparking a diplomatic row tied to the ongoing debate over birthright citizenship in the United States.

The controversy began after Trump reposted a transcript from a talk show by conservative commentator Michael Savage on his Truth Social platform. In the transcript, immigrants from countries such as India and China were described in derogatory terms, with claims that they exploit U.S. birthright citizenship laws to secure nationality for their children.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs reacted sharply, calling the remarks “uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste,” and stressing that they do not reflect the reality of strong bilateral ties between India and the United States.

The backlash has extended beyond official channels. India’s opposition Congress party labelled the comments “extremely insulting,” urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to formally protest. Civil rights groups and lawmakers in the U.S. also criticised the rhetoric, warning it could fuel xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi attempted to ease tensions, highlighting Trump’s past positive remarks about India and describing it as “a great country.”

The incident comes amid a broader legal and political battle over birthright citizenship in the United States, a constitutional right under the 14th Amendment that Trump has sought to restrict through executive action currently under judicial review.

Analysts say the episode risks straining diplomatic optics between Washington and New Delhi at a time when both countries are navigating trade negotiations and strategic cooperation, even as both sides publicly emphasise the importance of their long-standing partnership.