Washington, Feb 20 (NationPress) Renowned African American vocalist Mary Millben stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi “emerged with a more advantageous agreement” during the recently held US–India trade discussions, contending that patience and diplomacy granted India a significant advantage.

In a special interview with IANS in Washington after performing at the Trump Kennedy Center, Millben remarked, “It’s fantastic that a deal is finally established. I commend both President Trump and Prime Minister Modi for reaching a resolution.”

However, she was clear about who benefited more. “I will always give credit to the Prime Minister because he is victorious in this context,” she expressed. “He exhibited a calm demeanor. He was incredibly patient. He ensured that he secured the best terms for India.”

Addressing criticism from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who claimed PM Modi had “compromised India,” Millben dismissed the accusation completely. “That’s simply not accurate,” she stated. “You cannot take Mr. Gandhi’s comments seriously,” she added.

“He (PM Modi) secured the more favorable terms because he waited patiently while the Trump administration organized its approach to a robust ally.” Millben noted that Gandhi often spends time abroad, consistently opposing the Prime Minister and his own nation.

Millben pointed out that various geopolitical shifts bolstered India’s position. She referenced “the meeting that took place last September involving (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin, (Chinese) President Xi (Jinping), and Prime Minister Modi” along with the “recent EU-India trade agreement.”

“I genuinely believe the EU-India agreement served as a wake-up call for the President and his administration,” she said. “Once that was established… the direction for the relationship between the United States and India became clear.”

Looking ahead, she encouraged Washington to transcend the trade agreement and mend broader relations.

“Having a trade agreement does not negate the months of poor diplomatic relations from the United States concerning India,” she emphasized.

“A crucial step for the President would be to invite the Prime Minister for a state visit to the United States,” she added. “Rebuilding the relationship should take precedence over a mere temporary trade agreement.”

Millben also commented on India’s global stature, highlighting the ongoing AI Summit led by PM Modi. “The AI Summit showcased leaders from across the globe in India this week,” she noted.

“If you want to conduct business internationally, you must involve India,” she stated, describing India as “the most pivotal nation for global business.”

Regarding the newly introduced “Board of Peace” initiative in Washington, she welcomed the concept but cautioned against a unilateral approach.

“It’s not about the United States prescribing peace to the world but rather leading discussions on global peace,” she asserted. “If the President and the US dictate peace, it will not yield success.”

Concluding on a cultural note, Millben announced her upcoming music for India’s Independence Day in August. “We are preparing new music for India’s Independence Day,” she said.

She also alluded to Vande Mataram, saying, “Who knows, perhaps we’ll have a song ready for August.”

Millben expressed her appreciation for her supporters in India and the diaspora. “I’m incredibly thankful… to consider India and its communities worldwide as my family,” she stated. “I have been profoundly humbled by the kindness of 1.5 billion people.”

In recent years, Millben has cultivated a robust following among Indian and Indian-American audiences through performances and public appearances commemorating significant national events. She has frequently discussed US–India relations and engaged in cultural events associated with the diaspora in Washington and beyond.