US singer and staunch Modi supporter Mary Millben has fired back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following his claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was “frightened of Trump” and allowing the US to dictate India’s Russian oil policy.
Millben took to social media to tell Gandhi to “return to your ‘I hate India’ tour that has an audience of one – you,” delivering a sharp critique of his leadership.
Modi’s Strategy vs. Gandhi’s Critique
- Millben’s Defense of Modi: She asserted that PM Modi “is not afraid of President Trump,” but rather “understands the long game” and employs “strategic” diplomacy. She praised the PM for prioritizing “what is best for India,” which she called the mark of a true Head of State. She added that Gandhi lacks the “acumen to be the PM of India.”
- Gandhi’s Allegation: Rahul Gandhi had accused PM Modi of repeatedly “allowing” the US to dictate terms, including allegedly agreeing to stop buying Russian oil. He also criticized Modi for actions like sending congratulatory messages to Trump on the Gaza deal and not contradicting Trump’s claim of credit for a ceasefire with Pakistan.
The Heart of the Matter: Trump’s Claim and India’s Response
The controversy was sparked by former US President Donald Trump, who claimed during a White House media briefing that PM Modi had personally assured him in a phone call that India would halt its purchase of Russian oil.
However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) firmly rejected Trump’s claim.
- MEA’s Clarification: Official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that no such telephonic conversation took place on the day Trump referenced.
- India’s Policy: Jaiswal emphasized that India’s import policies are driven entirely by the need to “safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario” and ensure stable, secured supplies by diversifying its energy sourcing.
Meanwhile, Russia backed India, with Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov stating that India’s energy cooperation with Moscow “remains aligned with national interests.”
