PM Manmohan Singh, president Obama hold telephonic talk

Prime minister Manmohan Singh and US president Barack Obama today held a telephonic conversation during which they discussed matters related to the first Strategic Dialogue scheduled to take place on June three besides regional issues.

"The two leaders discussed the forthcoming Strategic Dialogue between the two countries scheduled next week in Washington," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.
   
External affairs minister SM Krishna will be travelling to Washington for the Strategic Dialogue with secretary of state Hillary Clinton on June 3.

The statement noted that both sides attach great priority to the dialogue as a means to strengthen bilateral engagement
on a wide range of issues including high technology trade, science & technology, civil nuclear cooperation, agriculture,
human resource development, security and other strategic issues.
   
The two leaders took the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, the statement said.
  
During the conversation, Obama conveyed condolences on the loss of lives resulting from the air crash in Mangalore last week.

The prime minister told Obama that a warm welcome awaited him and his family when they visit India.

Obama is slated to undertake his first visit to India this year and dates for it are being finalised.