Iran issued a sharp condemnation on Friday, targeting US President Donald Trump following his controversial social media remarks labeling India and China as "hellholes". The backlash follows a swift reaction from New Delhi, which formally criticised the "inappropriate" rhetoric used by the United States president.
The diplomatic row over President Donald Trump's "hellhole" remarks took a sharp, sarcastic turn as Iran's Consulate General in Mumbai weighed in with a viral rebuttal on X.
Sharing a vibrant video montage of Maharashtra's landscapes and heritage, the Consulate suggested the US president was in dire need of a "cultural detox." "Maybe someone should book a one-way cultural detox for Mr Trump, it might just reduce the random bakwaas (nonsense)," the post read.
The message concluded with a direct challenge to the President to witness the country firsthand: "Kabhi India aa ke dekho, phir bolna" (Come to India and see for yourself before speaking).
Maybe someone should book a one-way cultural detox for Mr. #Trump, it might just reduce the random bakwaas 😏
— Iran in Mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) April 23, 2026
Kabhi #India aa ke dekho, phir bolna. pic.twitter.com/kkocLZ31XX
The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday also offered a terse dismissal of Donald Trump's recent social media outburst, in which he labeled India and China "hellholes."
Responding to questions during a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal opted for a minimalist rebuttal to the viral Truth Social post, stating simply, "We have seen some reports. That's where I leave it."
However, Jaiswal underscored that such characterizations are fundamentally "inappropriate and in poor taste," noting that they fail to mirror the current state of bilateral ties. "They certainly do not reflect the reality of the India-US relationship, which has long been based on mutual respect and shared interests," he added.
The controversy has stemmed from a video shared by Donald Trump on Truth Social, featuring right-wing radio host Michael Savage delivering a scathing critique of birthright citizenship. In the footage, Savage targets current immigration laws, alleging they are being "exploited" by individuals who travel to the United States late in their pregnancy specifically to secure American citizenship for their children.
Savage's commentary focuses on what he describes as a systemic loophole where "a baby here becomes an instant citizen." He frames this as a gateway for broader family migration, specifically citing arrivals from "China or India or some other hellhole on the planet."
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