India condemns Trump post calling it a 'hellhole' ahead of Rubio visit

India on Thursday criticised a post by Donald Trump that labeled the country a 'hellhole,' a comment he shared from a conservative podcast host on Truth Social. The four-page screed denounced US birthright citizenship and claimed that Indian immigrants in tech hire fewer native-born Americans and lack English proficiency. The post also included a video of the remarks, circulating as Washington readies a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio next month to ease the recent tensions in the often-friendly relationship.

India’s foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal called the remarks 'obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste' and said they do not reflect the reality of the India-US relationship, which has long been based on mutual respect and shared interests. Lawmakers from India criticized the post as offensive and beneath the dignity of the office, highlighting the lasting impact of xenophobic rhetoric in a polarized political climate. Advocacy groups also weighed in, warning that endorsing such rants could stoke hatred and endanger communities.

On the U.S. side, politicians and commentators stressed the need to separate policy disagreements from personal attacks. The row comes as Rubio seeks to reset ties and reduce friction ahead of his trip, a sign that traditional ties between Delhi and Washington remain strong even as public protests flare over the social media post and the language it used.

Across social media and parliamentary corridors in Delhi and beyond, there is a mix of condemnation and calls for calm. Critics argue that inflammatory language risks complicating a long-standing partnership on security, trade, and technology, while supporters say India should not overlook perceived insults from a former president who still commands a large following.

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