New Delhi:
US President Donald Trump on Thursday struck a conciliatory tone toward India, calling it a “great country” led by a “very good friend,” just hours after facing criticism for reposting a controversial remark that referred to India and other nations as “hell holes.”
According to Christopher Elms, spokesperson for the US Embassy in New Delhi, Trump made positive remarks about India and highlighted his personal rapport with the country’s leadership.
“India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top,” Trump said.
Controversy Began After Trump Reposted Podcast Clip
The remarks followed backlash over Trump’s decision to share a transcript and video from Michael Savage’s podcast Savage Nation, which contained derogatory references to immigrants from India and China.
In the podcast episode, Savage criticised the United States’ birthright citizenship policy, alleging that immigrants travel to the country late in pregnancy to secure citizenship for their children — claims widely disputed by experts.
The reposted transcript described Indian and Chinese immigrants as “gangsters with laptops” who had “stepped on our flag,” and accused them of causing disproportionate economic harm to the US.
Savage also argued for changes to citizenship laws, a stance that aligns with ongoing political debates within the United States.
Debate Over Birthright Citizenship Intensifies
The controversy renewed attention to Trump’s earlier claim that the United States is the only country offering birthright citizenship.
However, fact-checking reports noted that several countries — including Canada and Mexico — also grant citizenship based on place of birth, contradicting the claim.
Birthright citizenship remains a politically sensitive issue in the United States, especially in discussions surrounding immigration reform and border policies.
India Maintains Measured Response
India’s official response to the controversy remained cautious and restrained.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, avoided escalating the issue while acknowledging the reports.
“We have seen some reports. That is where I leave it,” Jaiswal said.
The measured tone reflects India’s diplomatic approach to maintaining stable relations despite occasional political disagreements.