US, Oct 17 : US singer and cultural ambassador Mary Millben on Friday hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump, praising Modi’s strategic diplomacy and leadership.
Millben’s remarks followed Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Centre after Trump claimed that India had agreed to halt oil imports from Russia. Taking to social media platform X, she wrote: “You are wrong, @RahulGandhi. PM @narendramodi is not afraid of President Trump. PM Modi understands the long game and his diplomacy with the US is strategic. Just as @POTUS will always put America’s interests first, so will PM Modi do what is best for India. And I applaud that. That’s what Heads of State do. They do and say what is best for their country.”
She further added: “I don’t expect you to understand this type of leadership because you don’t possess the acumen to be PM of India. Best to return to your ‘I hate India’ tour that has an audience of one you.”
Millben, who first met PM Modi during his US state visit in June 2023, performed the Indian national anthem at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., and received significant media attention for seeking the Prime Minister’s blessings.
Her reaction came after Rahul Gandhi described Modi as “frightened of Trump,” criticizing the Prime Minister for allegedly allowing Trump to dictate India’s stance on Russian oil, sending repeated congratulatory messages, canceling official visits, and not contradicting US statements on issues like Operation Sindoor.
Trump, during a media interaction, called PM Modi a “great man” and India an “incredible country” while asserting that India would eventually stop buying oil from Russia. He also said that reducing India’s dependence on Russian oil would make it “much easier” to end the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the process could not happen immediately.
The controversy arises amid India sourcing 34% of its crude imports from Russia in September, while trade negotiations with the US continue. India’s Commerce Ministry recently stated that the country could import $12–13 billion worth of crude oil and natural gas from the US without modifying refinery configurations, highlighting its efforts to diversify energy imports at favorable prices.
Mary Millben’s comments underline international support for PM Modi’s handling of complex diplomatic and economic negotiations, countering Rahul Gandhi’s criticisms.