India has formally rebuked offensive remarks circulated on social media that targeted Indians, saying the comments are “obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste” and do not reflect the reality of the India–US relationship. At a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on 23 April 2026, Official Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal was asked about a social media post that had referred, among other things, to Indians in disparaging terms. Responding to further questions, he stated: “We have seen the comments, as also the subsequent statement issued by the US Embassy in response. The remarks are obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste. They certainly do not reflect the reality of the India–US relationship, which has long been based on mutual respect and shared interests.”
The controversy was sparked after a US political commentator’s podcast segment, which described certain immigrant groups in harsh language, was reposted on the social media account of US President Donald Trump. The clip contained remarks about Indians and other nationalities that were widely condemned in India as derogatory and offensive. In the wake of the backlash, the US Embassy in New Delhi issued a follow‑up statement attempting to distance the administration from the specific language, while reiterating that President Trump regards India as a “great country” led by a “very good friend of mine.” Indian political parties and commentators have separately criticised the repost and demanded that New Delhi formally register its objection through diplomatic channels.
The Ministry of External Affairs’ response, as conveyed by Spokesperson Jaiswal, is framed as part of India’s broader effort to protect the dignity of its citizens while seeking to preserve the larger strategic partnership with the United States. The India–US relationship has been described by Indian officials as a “Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership” built on shared democratic values, extensive defence and economic cooperation, and deep people‑to‑people ties. The current episode, however, has sparked fresh debate in India about the use of social media by foreign leaders and the need to push back firmly against content that is perceived as racist or demeaning toward Indian nationals.