Trump's repost of Savage podcast sparks diplomatic row with India
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NEW DELHI — U.S. President Donald Trump sparked a diplomatic row with India on Thursday after reposting a podcast episode by conservative host Michael Savage that described China and India as "hellhole" nations. The incident prompted swift condemnations from the Indian government, opposition parties, and Asian American advocacy groups, raising concerns about the impact on bilateral relations.
The controversy began when Trump shared the audio segment on social media without adding commentary. In the episode, Savage criticized immigration from both countries, using derogatory language that many interpreted as xenophobic. By sharing the content, the President effectively endorsed the remarks, drawing immediate criticism from New Delhi.
Indian officials expressed outrage over the President's actions. A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs stated that the remarks were unacceptable and undermined the strong partnership between the two nations. "We expect the U.S. administration to uphold the values of mutual respect that define our relationship," the spokesperson said during a press briefing in New Delhi.
The opposition Congress party in India also weighed in, calling the incident a "diplomatic blunder" of the highest order. Leaders from the party urged the government to take a firm stance and demand an apology from the White House. "Such rhetoric is not only offensive but also damaging to the millions of Indians living in the United States," said a senior Congress leader.
Asian American advocacy groups in the United States joined the chorus of criticism. Organizations representing South Asian and Chinese American communities condemned the President's decision to amplify Savage's comments. They argued that the remarks perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to a hostile environment for immigrants.
The White House has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the incident. However, sources close to the administration suggest that the repost was intended to highlight concerns about immigration policy rather than to endorse Savage's specific language. This explanation has done little to quell the backlash, with critics arguing that the lack of context makes the endorsement implicit.
Diplomatic channels between Washington and New Delhi are expected to remain active as both sides assess the situation. The incident comes at a time when the two countries are negotiating key trade agreements and defense partnerships. Analysts warn that unresolved tensions could complicate these discussions.
As of Thursday evening, it remains unclear whether the White House will issue a retraction or apology. The situation continues to develop, with both governments monitoring public reaction and diplomatic fallout.