Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden lashed out at US President Donald Trump ahead of the November 3 election slamming him over choice of words against India in the final presidential debate. Incumbent Trump, who has drawn flak over his management of the coronavirus pandemic, is lagging behind his Democratic rival Biden in all major polls across the country. 

Biden slammed Trump over his cavalier use of words against India during the final debate, where he referred to the climate and air quality in India as ‘filthy.’ Launching a scathing attack on the Republican President, the 77-year-old Biden accused Trump of calling “India filthy”.

Trump, during the final Presidential Debate held at Nashville, Tennessee, while answering questions related to the Paris Climate Accord had said, “Look at China, how filthy it is. Look at Russia, look at India — it’s filthy. The air is filthy.” 

Democratic nominee Biden reinterpreting the reference made by Trump stated, “President Trump called India filthy.”

The Delaware-born former vice-president, went on to say, “It’s not how you talk about friends—and it’s not how you solve global challenges like climate change.”

He added that his administration would be respectful towards the ties both countries share and stated, “ Kamala Harris and I deeply value our partnership—and will put respect back at the center of our foreign policy.”

The 77-year-old wrote a fierce rebuttal to the President Trump comment for news agency IndiaWest. Biden stated that in his eight years at the White House, he along with former President Barack Obama had held a Diwali reception.

Biden added how he as an ‘Irish-Catholic’ had opened his house to Indian Americans, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains. He highlighted how he has “always felt deeply connected” with the Indian American community as they share similar ideals of duty, respect, self-discipline, hard work and service.

He also emphasised upon his Indian American constituents from Delaware, claiming that he had forced ‘lasting relationships’ with them. He also doubled-down on his Indian connect through vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris calling her “smart, tested and prepared.”

The United States will vote on November 3 to elect its new President.