India great country: US Embassy Spokesperson
NEW DELHI: In the wake of controversial remarks made by US President Donald Trump, who reposted a racist rant referring to India, China, and other nations as “hellholes,” the Indian government has responded cautiously. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on Thursday, “We have seen some reports. That’s where I leave it,” sidestepping further comment on the matter.
The controversy erupted after Trump endorsed a social media post by American radio host Michael Savage, who called for amendments to the U.S. Birthright Citizenship law. Savage’s letter accused immigrants from India, China, and other countries of coming to the US during pregnancy to give birth and secure citizenship for their children. Savage alleged that these immigrants are “destroying our national identity” and trying to turn America into a colony of India and China, claiming they are overrun and that their presence threatens American sovereignty.
In his repost, Trump appeared to endorse Savage’s sentiments, which included claims that the US is being “flooded” with illegal aliens from these nations who come to “drop a baby on our shores” and then bring in their families, thus purportedly undermining American culture.
The incident drew international attention, with India’s External Affairs Ministry choosing a measured tone. When asked about the remarks, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal simply remarked, “We have seen some reports. That’s where I leave it,” indicating a cautious approach.
Meanwhile, the US sought to mitigate the damage, with a spokesperson from the US embassy in New Delhi stating that President Trump believes India is a “great country” and a “good friend of mine.” The spokesperson did not clarify when or where Trump made his remarks praising India, but emphasized the positive relationship between the two nations.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over immigration debates and diplomatic sensitivities, with India and the US navigating a complex relationship amid differing perspectives on national identity and immigration policies.