On April 23, 2026, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded carefully to remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who reposted a message from conservative radio host Michael Savage that labeled India and China as “hellholes on the planet.” Trump's comments emerged amid ongoing debates about birthright citizenship in the U.S., leading to potential diplomatic tensions.

In his post on Truth Social, Trump echoed Savage, who had characterized immigrants from these countries as “gangsters with laptops” that allegedly undermine American society. Savage's statements included a claim that individuals come to the U.S. during pregnancy to ensure their child gains automatic citizenship, resulting in family immigration from what he described as "some other hellhole on the planet."

When questioned about Trump's repost, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have seen some reports. That’s where I’ll leave it,” maintaining a cautious stance without engaging in direct criticism of the American leader.

Notably, after Trump's remarks, a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy attempted to mitigate the situation by emphasizing that Trump views India as a “great country” and maintains a strong friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The fallout from Trump's comments was met with defense from other nations as Iran's consulate in Hyderabad described both India and China as "cradles of civilization," directly countering Trump's derogatory terms while amplifying respect for these nations.

This incident reflects the complexities of international relations, particularly when rhetoric from influential figures like Trump can ripple through diplomatic channels, prompting reactions that balance national pride with geopolitical dynamics. The strategic nature of India's response highlights its efforts to navigate a sensitive topic without escalating tensions with the U.S.