‘India is a great country’: US clarifies Trump stance after ‘hellholes’ remark

The United States on Thursday sought to contain a diplomatic controversy sparked by a social media repost linked to President Donald Trump, with the US Embassy in New Delhi emphasising his positive view of India, reported PTI.

Responding to queries from Indian media, a spokesperson for the US Embassy said the President has described India in favourable terms. “India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top”, the spokesperson said.

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The clarification comes after Trump reposted remarks by US radio host Michael Savage that referred to India, China and other countries as “hellholes,” triggering criticism and raising concerns in India.

The embassy spokesperson did not specify when or where Trump made the statement praising India, but framed it as reflective of his broader position.

Savage’s comments were originally made in the context of a case before the Supreme Court of the United States concerning birthright citizenship, before being amplified through Trump’s repost.

In New Delhi, the government reacted cautiously. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “We have seen some reports. That is where I leave it.”