US Singer Mary Millben Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi: “Return to Your ‘I Hate India’ Tour”
Millben defends PM Modi’s diplomacy with the US, accuses Congress leader of lacking leadership acumen
By Orlin Milinov
New Delhi — American singer and cultural ambassador Mary Millben has sharply criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, telling him to “return to his ‘I Hate India’ tour.”
Millben’s rebuke came a day after Gandhi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Prime Minister Modi is “frightened of US President Donald Trump,” accusing him of letting the American leader dictate India’s foreign and energy policies.
In her response, Millben — a long-time supporter of PM Modi — defended India’s diplomatic strategy and said Gandhi “does not possess the acumen to be the Prime Minister of India.”
“You are wrong, @RahulGandhi. PM @narendramodi is not afraid of President Trump,” Millben wrote. “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.”
The US artist added that both leaders, Modi and Trump, act in the best interest of their nations — a form of leadership she said Gandhi “cannot understand.”
“I don’t expect you to understand this type of leadership because you don’t possess the acumen to be the PM of India. Best to return to your ‘I hate India’ tour that has an audience of one — you,” Millben stated.
Background and Past Ties with Modi
Mary Millben, who is also an actor and cultural diplomat, first met Prime Minister Modi in June 2023 during his official visit to Washington, D.C. She performed the Indian national anthem at the Ronald Reagan Building, later touching the Prime Minister’s feet in a gesture of respect — a moment that drew global attention.
Trump’s Russian Oil Remark and India’s Response
Millben’s remarks came amid renewed controversy over former US President Donald Trump’s recent statement that PM Modi had assured him India would stop purchasing Russian oil — a claim that India has not confirmed.
“He’s assured me there will be no oil purchases from Russia,” Trump said earlier this week. “He can’t do it immediately. It’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over soon.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded by emphasizing that the country’s energy imports are driven by the need to protect domestic consumers and maintain stable prices.
“India is a significant importer of oil and gas,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. “Our import policies are guided entirely by the objective of safeguarding the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario. Ensuring stable prices and secure supplies has been the twin goal of our energy policy.”
Jaiswal added that India continues to deepen energy cooperation with the United States. “Discussions are ongoing,” he said.
