New Delhi, July 10 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh arrived here late last night after attending the G-8 Summit in Hokkaido, Japan.

During his three-day visit, the Prime Minister met leaders of various countries, including Russia, Britain, Germany, France, and host Japan.

On the sidelines of the Summit, Dr. Singh also met US President George Bush, and both talked about the India-US nuclear deal, and how important it was for both the nations.

Both leaders also talked about free trade, the Doha Round, and how important it was that nations such as India and the US found common ground to make sure protectionist sentiments don't wall us off from the rest of the world.

The Group of eight nations also supported India over the Indo-US nuclear deal and said in a statement that they decided to help India meet its growing energy needs.

The statement said that G-8 nations look forward to working with India, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Nuclear Suppliers Group and other partners to advance India's non-proliferation commitments and progress so as to facilitate a more robust approach to civil nuclear cooperation with India to help it meet its growing energy needs in a manner that enhances and reinforces the global non-proliferation regime.

The leaders described climate change as one of the great global challenges and said they confronted the interlinked challenges of sustainable development, including energy, food security and human health.

Manmohan to meet President Patil today after Left support withdrawal

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will meet President Pratibha Patil here today to discuss the recent political developments, including the withdrawal of support by the Left parties.

The meeting would be held between the two a day after Leftists met the President and handed over letters withdrawing support, and a joint communication asking her to "direct the Prime Minister to seek a vote of confidence in the Lok Sabha immediately."

Minutes after the Left withdrew support, the Samajwadi Party (SP) submitted a fresh letter to the President backing the Congress-led UPA government.

With the support of SP, the PDP and some Independents, the government hopes to garner 272 for a simple majority in the Lok Sabha, which has an effective strength of 543. (ANI)