American singer and cultural ambassador Mary Millben on Friday criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the Congress MP should return to his “I hate India tour.”

Millben, known for her vocal admiration of PM Modi, said Gandhi “does not possess the acumen” to become India’s Prime Minister. Her remarks came a day after Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister was “frightened of Trump” and allows the US President to dictate India’s decisions on energy and foreign policy.

Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of PM Modi

On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi posted on X that PM Modi “allows Trump to decide and announce India will not buy Russian oil,” keeps sending congratulatory messages despite “repeated snubs,” and “does not contradict” the US President on Operation Sindoor.

Gandhi’s post sparked strong reactions online, with several users, including Millben, accusing him of misrepresenting India’s diplomatic stance.

Millben’s sharp response on X

Responding to Gandhi, Mary Millben wrote on X:

“You are wrong, @RahulGandhi. PM @narendramodi is not afraid of President Trump. PM Modi understands the long game, and his diplomacy with the U.S. 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.”

She added that both leaders act in the best interests of their respective countries — something she claimed Gandhi failed to 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 added.

Millben’s association with PM Modi

Millben, who is also an actor and performer, first met PM Modi during his state visit to the United States in June 2023. She performed the Indian national anthem at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., where she made headlines worldwide for touching PM Modi’s feet to seek his blessings after the performance.

The singer has since been a vocal supporter of the Prime Minister, often praising his global diplomacy and leadership on social media.

Trump’s claim on Russian oil and India’s response

Millben’s comments came amid renewed discussion over former US President Donald Trump’s claim earlier this week that PM Modi had assured him India would stop buying oil from Russia.

“He’s assured me there will be no oil purchases from Russia. He can’t do it immediately — it’s a little bit of a process, but the process is going to be over soon,” Trump said.

However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that India has not made any such commitment, reiterating that the country’s energy policy remains guided by domestic interests.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s import strategy is aimed at ensuring stable energy prices and diversified sourcing.

“It has been our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario. Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective,” Jaiswal stated.
“Where the US is concerned, we have for many years sought to expand our energy procurement. This has steadily progressed in the last decade, and discussions are ongoing.”

Diplomatic context

Experts note that India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil surged after the Ukraine conflict, despite Western pressure. However, New Delhi has consistently defended its decision as necessary to manage domestic energy prices and ensure supply stability.

While Trump’s remarks may have reignited debate around India’s stance, officials maintain that energy independence remains a key pillar of India’s foreign policy.