The telephonic conversation between Singh and Medvedev was "in development of constructive (ties), aimed at practical results talks held on the margins of the recent G-8 summit in Toyako (Japan) and they discussed a wide range of issues, including the preparations for the upcoming Delhi visit of the Russian President," according to the Kremlin.

Although the Kremlin statement did not mention the nuclear deal, but it is believed that Singh's call to Medvedev on Thursday was part of the government's push to garner backing of key nuclear powers and members of the nuclear suppliers group (NSG) in the wake of trust vote won by the Congress-led UPA government.

Russia is a key member of the 45-strong NSG and at their meeting on the G-8 sidelines President Medvedev had reportedly assured Singh of his country's strong backing of India's case at the IAEA Board of Governors meet next month and NSG.