PM-Bush talks underway, Singh to hang on N-deal

St Petersburg, July 17: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US President George W Bush began their meeting today amid expectations that the US will address India's concerns over ''certain aspects'' of the proposed US law, aimed at ratifying the July 18, 2005 Indo-US nuclear deal for cooperation in civilian nuclear energy, before it is passed in the Congress.

Before going for the talks, the two leaders made brief statements expressing their resolve to further strengthen the bilateral relations.

Dr Singh did not elaborate on the ''concerns''. However, the US proposal to clamp a ban on India for conducting further nuclear tests is likely to be an issue on which he would express India's displeasure.

Dr Singh arrived here yesterday to attend outreach meetings with the G8 nations -- US, UK, Russia, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan.

He said he would also impress upon the world leaders attending the Summit the need for 'zero tolerance' against terrorism anywhere including isolation of terrorists by the international community.

UNI