'Honesty Is The Best Diplomacy': Mary Millben Says US-India Relations On 'Better Pathway'

Last Updated:January 30, 2026, 09:50 IST

The remarks follow Mary Millben's pointed criticism earlier this week of the Trump administration's approach to India, in which she lauded PM Modi.

American singer Mary Millben.

American singer Mary Millben said that US-India relations are now on a “better pathway," expressing optimism about diplomatic efforts led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to resolve tensions between Washington and New Delhi.

“Honesty is the best diplomacy. They know that I tell the truth. Both of them (@POTUS and PM @narendramodi) do," Millben wrote on X, adding, “And we are now on a better pathway. Encouraged to see @SecRubio, whom we all love and a great diplomat himself, leading the conversations forward with the PM’s team to find reconciliation and a deal to bring our countries back to a healthy position."

The remarks follow Millben’s pointed criticism earlier this week of the Trump administration’s approach to India, in which she lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of US-India tensions and urged Washington to “pivot" its approach.

‘True Friendship Always Admits Wrongdoing’

While reaffirming that Trump and PM Modi share a personal rapport, Millben said “true friendship always admits wrongdoing or, in this case, wrong approach," adding that she and “many in America disapprove of the hostile rhetoric recently from the Trump Administration towards India."

She said she had “and will continue to encourage President Trump to approach India as a friend and ally," urging a policy reset grounded in respect, alliance, and shared democratic values.

Marking two decades of close association with the American presidency, Millben said 2026 represented “20 years of my relationship with the American presidency," beginning in 2006 when she served as a White House presidential appointee to President George W. Bush and extending to performances for five consecutive US Presidents and administrations.

“I thank God for this divine alignment and the opportunity to be His ambassador in America," she said, adding that her long proximity to the presidency “introduced me to the world and world leaders, including China and President Xi, Russia and President Putin, and my beloved India and friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

‘Most Revered World Leader In Geopolitics’

Millben said she had, for years, “publicly applauded Prime Minister Modi for his moral compass, his humility and compassion for the Indian people, and his acumen of innovation." She said she now applauded the Prime Minister “for his measured and strategic diplomacy during the current economic tug of war with the US."

“His display of dignity, under pressure, has made him the most revered world leader in geopolitics," she said.

She said when the United States made “an unprecedented shift in its approach to India this past year," the Prime Minister “stood with dignity." When Washington “threatened higher tariffs," he “sought diversification with new global partners."

“Even his silence, when merited, has demonstrated strength," she said, describing what she called a “de-risk" posture from the US that led the Prime Minister to strengthen relationships with “China and President Xi, Russia and President Putin," and now European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.

Direct Appeal To Trump

In a direct appeal to the US President, Millben said, “Mr. President, you know I respect you greatly and pray for your best always." She urged a course correction, saying, “Now is the time to pivot, apologize to the Prime Minister, restore our relationship with India, regain value for the 4.5 million Indian American citizens here at home, and reclaim our respected voice in geopolitics."

“As the President of Peace, let us now be at peace with India, Europe, and the world," she said, adding, “A pivot, Mr. President, is in itself a posture of power and strength."

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