PM meets Bush on G-8 sidelines; discusses progress in nuclear deal

[K.Karthik Raja]

PM meets Bush on G-8 sidelines; discusses progress in nuclear deal
Wednesday, Jul 9
.
NEW DELHI - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today met U.S. President
George
Bush on the sidelines of the Group of Eight Summit in Japan to discuss
the
progress in the Indo-U.S. civilian nuclear agreement, the Press Trust
of India
reported.
Singh, whose government is facing a crisis over the nuclear deal,
said
the United Progressive Alliance government was determined strengthen
strategic
ties with the U.S.
"Our relationship with the U.S. has never been in such good shape
as it is
today.... and it is the intention of my government... India and U.S.
must
stand tall, stand shoulder to shoulder," Singh said after the meeting.
Bush, on his part, praised Singh's leadership at home and said the
nuclear
deal was important to both India and the U.S.
"I respect the prime minister a lot. I also respect India a lot,
and I
think it's very important that the U.S. continues to work with our
friends to
develop not only a new strategic relationship, but a relationship that
addresses some of the world's problems," Bush said.
The Left parties, which have been supporting the UPA government
from
outside, withdrew support Tuesday over the nuclear issue.
The government is likely to go for a floor test in Parliament
later this
month following the Left's support withdrawal.
Most reports suggest the government may survive the test with
support from
Samajwadi Party and some other smaller parties. End
.