The remarks originated from U.S. conservative radio host Michael Savage during an episode of his show “The Savage Nation,” in which he criticized birthright citizenship in the United States and referred to countries including India and China in derogatory terms.

Trump reposted a transcript of the comments on his Truth Social platform on Thursday without adding his own remarks.

India’s foreign ministry responded strongly, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal saying the remarks were “obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste,” and did not reflect the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

“The remarks certainly do not reflect the reality of the India-U.S. relationship, which has long been based on mutual respect and shared interests,” Jaiswal said in a statement.

The U.S. embassy in New Delhi cited Trump as having previously described India as “a great country,” seeking to underscore the broader context of ties between the two nations.The comments come amid ongoing debate in the United States over birthright citizenship, with Trump pursuing restrictions that are currently under legal challenge in the Supreme Court.

Earlier this month, he attended a hearing on the issue in a rare presidential visit to the court.India’s main opposition Indian National Congress condemned the remarks as “extremely insulting,” urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to formally raise the issue with Washington.

Government data show approximately 5.5 million people of Indian origin reside in the United States, forming one of the largest Asian-origin communities alongside Chinese Americans.Despite the diplomatic friction, both countries have been engaged in efforts to strengthen economic ties.

Following a period of trade tensions, including the imposition of high U.S. tariffs on Indian goods last year, New Delhi and Washington are currently working toward a trade agreement aimed at boosting bilateral commerce and avoiding further tariff escalations.

This initiative reflects New Delhi’s commitment to protecting its nationals abroad and ensuring their safe return.

The repatriation plan marks another example of India’s swift diplomatic coordination and growing cooperation with regional partners such as Thailand and Myanmar.

The Indian government plans to send a special aircraft to Thailand’s border town of Mae Sot, where the rescued individuals are currently located.

The operation follows a series of raids conducted by the Myanmar military against the KK Park compound, a well-known centre for transnational cybercrime.

These actions have helped free hundreds of foreign nationals who were trapped and forced to work in fraudulent online schemes.

The KK Park compound, situated near the border area between Myanmar and Thailand, has long been associated with organized online fraud operations.

Since the pandemic, cyber scam centres across Southeast Asia have grown rapidly, luring thousands of unsuspecting individuals with promises of legitimate employment.

Once inside these compounds, many victims are coerced into working in illegal online activities under harsh conditions. The recent crackdown represents a significant breakthrough in the region’s fight against human trafficking and cybercrime.

Authorities in Thailand have stepped in to provide temporary shelter, food, and medical assistance to those who escaped the compound.

The rescued individuals include citizens from several countries, with Indians forming one of the largest groups. India’s swift response highlights its readiness to assist nationals facing distress abroad, regardless of where they are located.

This action builds on earlier efforts in which India successfully evacuated hundreds of citizens trapped in similar scam centres along the Thai-Myanmar border earlier this year.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stated that Indian officials are actively engaging with Thai immigration authorities to finalize the verification process.

The Indian ambassador is expected to personally oversee the coordination efforts, ensuring that all formalities are completed quickly so that the return flight can proceed without delay. The Indian plane will land directly in Mae Sot to pick up the citizens and bring them safely back home.

Officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs have confirmed that the embassy in Bangkok is working closely with both Thai and Myanmar authorities to ensure that every rescued person is properly identified before repatriation.

The ministry also emphasized that India remains committed to collaborating with international partners to combat transnational crimes such as human trafficking and online fraud.

This repatriation effort is not only a humanitarian mission but also a reflection of India’s proactive foreign policy and regional engagement. By coordinating with neighbouring countries, India is playing a key role in addressing complex cross-border challenges.

The mission also reinforces the importance of ASEAN-level cooperation to prevent cybercrime networks from exploiting vulnerable individuals.

The Indian government’s decisive action has been welcomed by the families of those stranded abroad, who had been waiting anxiously for updates.

For many, the planned return flight brings hope and relief after months of uncertainty. It also stands as a testament to India’s ongoing commitment to safeguard its citizens and uphold its humanitarian values on the global stage.

As India continues to strengthen regional partnerships and support anti-trafficking initiatives, this repatriation marks another milestone in the country’s broader effort to combat organized cybercrime and ensure the safety of its people abroad.

The mission underscores the value of regional cooperation, swift diplomacy, and human compassion in addressing modern cross-border challenges.