Washington: US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy after reportedly calling India “hell” while discussing citizenship policies in the United States.
According to international media reports, Trump criticized immigration practices and claimed that some Indian citizens travel to the United States to give birth, later using this to bring their families into the country.
He further instructed his administration to take strict measures to stop granting automatic citizenship to children born in the United States.
Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about birthright citizenship, a policy that grants citizenship to anyone born on US soil. He has repeatedly expressed concerns over what he describes as misuse of this system.
The former president emphasized the need for stricter immigration laws and tighter controls to prevent such practices.
The statement has triggered a strong response from India’s opposition party, Congress. Party leaders criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming he lacks the courage to respond firmly to Trump’s remarks.
They argued that the silence from the Indian government reflects weak leadership and said the country is bearing the consequences of it.
Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a cautious response. A party spokesperson stated that they have seen some reports regarding the remarks but declined to comment further.
Observers say the muted response highlights the sensitive nature of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Experts believe that such statements could impact diplomatic ties between the United States and India if tensions escalate. However, no official response has yet been issued at the government level.