Iran has criticised and mocked Donald Trump after a controversial social media post describing India and China as “hell-holes”, triggering diplomatic reactions.
Tehran: A diplomatic controversy broke out after US President Donald Trump shared a post on Truth Social that described India and China as “hell-holes”.
The original comment, made by radio host Michael Savage, was linked to criticism of US birthright citizenship laws and quickly drew global attention.
Also Read
Iran mocks and pushes back
Iran responded sharply to the remark, with its Consulate General in Mumbai issuing a sarcastic response on social media. The post included a video showcasing Maharashtra’s culture, festivals and landscapes, and suggested that Trump should visit India before making such statements.
Using a mix of humour and criticism, the consulate remarked that a visit could serve as a “cultural detox”, adding a Hindi phrase urging him to experience India first before commenting.
Iran highlights India’s culture and diversity
The Iranian mission also praised India’s cultural richness, food and diversity. In a separate post, Iran’s Consulate in Hyderabad described India and China as “cradles of civilisation”, directly countering the original remark.
It further highlighted everyday cultural experiences, pointing to India’s regional diversity and traditions as examples of its global significance.
India officially responded through the Ministry of External Affairs, which called the comments “uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste”. The government emphasised that such remarks do not reflect the reality of India-US relations, which are based on mutual respect and shared interests.
US issues clarification after backlash
Following the backlash, the US Embassy in New Delhi issued a clarification stating that Trump considers India a “great country”. The statement sought to ease tensions and reaffirm the strength of bilateral ties.
The episode highlights how social media remarks by global figures can quickly escalate into diplomatic issues. It also underscores the sensitivity surrounding national image and international partnerships, particularly between major countries like India, the United States and Iran.
Published: 24 Apr 2026, 02:40 pm IST
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.