Goa, May 25 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday strongly defended President Donald Trump amid controversy surrounding alleged anti-India rhetoric and racist remarks circulating in the United States.

Speaking during his India visit, Rubio said Trump remains a strong admirer of both India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The President's a big fan of India, a big fan of Prime Minister Modi. I wouldn't be here if the President didn't want me to be here," Rubio said while responding to questions from journalists.

The controversy erupted after Trump amplified a right-wing podcast transcript on his Truth Social platform in April. The podcast host had reportedly referred to India and China as "hellhole" countries, triggering criti...