The Prime Minister spoke this evening with United States President Barack Obama. The two leaders discussed the forthcoming Strategic Dialogue between the two countries scheduled next week in Washington. 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. President Obama conveyed condolences on the loss of lives resulting from the air crash in Mangalore last week. The Prime Minister said that a warm welcome awaited the President and his family when they visit India.