President Donald Trump is set to speak with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday, the White House announced, without providing details about the planned phone call.
The conversation will be among several between Mr. Trump and other world leaders this week as he begins his duties as U.S. president. He has already spoken with the leaders of Egypt, Israel, Canada and Mexico, and plans to host a visit from British Prime Minister Theresa May later this week.
India’s president, Pranab Mukherjee, issued an invitation to Mr. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to visit India shortly after Mr. Trump’s inauguration Friday. The White House hasn’t responded to the invitation.
Former President Barack Obama and Mr. Modi worked to develop strong ties between the two countries during Mr. Obama’s administration. Mr. Obama visited India almost exactly two years ago for the country’s Republic Day, and Mr. Modi made trips to the U.S.
There is concern in India’s outsourcing industry about the fate of the skilled-worker, or H-1B, visa program that companies use to send thousands of workers to the U.S. Mr. Trump criticized the program during the campaign, saying he would seek to ensure Americans get their first choice of available jobs.
Mr. Trump’s foreign-policy moves also may present Indian officials with a puzzle.
During the presidential transition period, Mr. Trump spoke by phone with Nawaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, a neighbor and rival to India. Afterwards, Mr. Sharif’s government described the call in detail, saying Mr. Trump referred to him as “terrific guy,” and told him: “You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way…Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people.”
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