Indo-US ties in good shape ever: PM

Toyako, Jul 9: On the sidelines of the ongoing G-8 summit in Hokkaido in Japan, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Wednesday, July 9 met US President George W Bush.

After the meeting that lasted around 45 minutes at Hotel Windsor Toya, Dr. Singh told reporters that India's relationship with the US has never been as good as it was now. "Our relationship with the United States has never been in such good shape as it is today. I am very pleased with the state of our relationship," he said. The Prime Minister also said that India and the US 'must stand shoulder to shoulder' on pressing issues. Bush said that they talked about the nuclear deal and 'how important it is for our respective countries'.

Congratulating the Prime Minister for his leadership, Bush said, "The deal to sell India nuclear fuel and technology is good for both nations, even though it has drawn fire in both countries."

Meanwhile, reacting on the Left's decision to withdraw support to the UPA Government, Dr. Singh said it would not affect his government.

Claiming that the UPA Government had worked out a viable political alternative, without mentioning the name of the Samajwadi Party, the Prime Minister said: "It (Left withdrawal of support) will not affect the stability of my government."

Earlier, immediately after arriving in Japan on Monday, the Prime Minister had announced that his government would go to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) soon to discuss a safeguards agreement with regard to the Indo-US civil nuclear cooperation deal.

This announcement of the Prime Minister particularly drew the Left parties to withdraw their support. Today they are scheduled to meet the President to submit their letter of withdrawal of support. By Mritunjay Singh

ANI