Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Trump Cites India’s Election System to Back SAVE Act
Donald Trump said India’s election system could be an example for the United States.
He pointed to India’s use of voter identification and its large number of voters.
Trump said 646 million people voted in India’s recent election and fewer than 1% voted by mail.
He wants Congress to pass the SAVE America Act.
The bill would require people to prove they are US citizens before registering for federal elections.
It would also require valid photo identification at polling stations and limit voting by mail.
India’s External Affairs Ministry did not specifically comment on Trump’s proposal.
Instead, it said India’s election machinery is widely considered credible and robust, while international delegates praised aspects of the 2024 election.
Donald Trump cited India’s voter-identification system while urging Congress to pass the SAVE America Act.
Trump said 646 million people voted in India’s recent general election and less than 1% used postal ballots.
The proposed US legislation would require proof of citizenship for voter registration and valid photo identification at polling stations.
India’s External Affairs Ministry said its election machinery’s credibility and robustness are globally established, without specifically endorsing Trump’s proposal.
India’s 2024 election included the largest-ever international delegation, while Kashmir recorded 38% turnout, its highest since 1996.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.
- What
- Trump cited India’s election procedures while advocating the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, which would tighten US citizenship verification, voter-identification, and voting-by-mail rules.
- When
- Trump made the remarks earlier in August; the MEA responded at a Tuesday briefing. The Indian election referenced was held in 2024.
- Where
- The remarks concerned elections in India and proposed federal election rules in the United States; the MEA response was given in New Delhi.
- Why
- Trump is seeking support for legislation that would require proof of US citizenship for registration and photo identification for voting, which he says would curb electoral fraud.
India’s Cautious Response
Supporters of the SAVE America Act
India’s role in the US debate
India’s Cautious Response
The MEA said it had no specific comment on Trump’s remarks and described India’s election machinery as globally credible and robust, without endorsing the proposed US legislation.
Supporters of the SAVE America Act
Trump and Sergio Gor used India’s voter-identification and limited postal-voting figures to argue that the United States should adopt stricter election requirements.
Proposed US voting rules
India’s Cautious Response
The provided reports do not indicate that the SAVE America Act has become law; an earlier version passed the House but stalled in the Senate.
Supporters of the SAVE America Act
The proposal would require documentary proof of US citizenship for federal voter registration, valid photo identification at polling stations, and substantially limit voting by mail.
- Indian voters cited by Trump
- 646 million in the recent general election
- Postal voting in India
- Trump said less than 1% of voters used postal ballots
- Proposed citizenship requirement
- Documentary proof of US citizenship before registering for a federal election
- Proposed identification requirement
- Valid photo identification at polling stations
- Revised House vote
- The Republican-led House passed the revised legislation 218-213 in February, with one Democrat joining Republicans
- International election delegation
- India’s 2024 general election had the largest-ever group of international delegates experiencing it firsthand
- Kashmir turnout
- 38%, the highest since 1996
Sources
Credibility of India’s election machinery globally recognised: MEA after Trump’s remarks
Credibility, robustness of India's election machinery well established fact globally: MEA
'Credibility Well-Established': Centre After Trump's Praise For Indian Polls
