NEW DELHI — Mysterious figures in sunglasses have scoped out the Taj Mahal. Officials in two countries are rushing ahead with feverish preparations, including final negotiations for a much-anticipated trade deal. President Trump is expected to swoop into India for a full-fledged state visit in late February, according to Indian officials. His counterpart in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has his own deepening political troubles to duck, and this visit could be seen as an endorsement of Mr. Modi’s recent policies that have deeply divided India and set off deadly nationwide protests. Mr. Trump and Mr. Modi have shared a stage before, at an event in Texas called “Howdy, Modi.” Tens of thousands of Indian-Americans cheered on two populist leaders who have further polarized their own societies.

Source: New York Times January 28, 2020 10:07 UTC