The two leaders spoke in unison on strengthening the bilateral "strategic relationship" as Singh took a two-hour drive from Sapporo to meet Bush in hot springs resort of Hotel Windsor on Mt Poromoi on the sidelines of the G-8 summit, hours before the Left parties were to formally withdraw support to the UPA government on the nuclear deal.

"Our relationship with the United States has never been in such good shape as it is today.... And it is the intention of my government... whether it is a question of climate change... global economy, India and US must stand tall, stand shoulder to shoulder, and that's what is going to happen," Singh said after the 50-minute meeting that stretched beyond the scheduled time.

Both Singh and Bush expressed mutual admiration for each other and spoke of the need for closer relationship between the two countries.

"We talked about the India-US nuclear deal, and how important that is for our respective countries," Bush said as the two leaders appeared before the press in a relaxed mood and displayed a lot of personal warmth.

"I respect the Prime Minister a lot. I also respect India a lot, and I think it's very important that the United States 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," the President said.

"All in all, it was a really good meeting amongst two friends. And so, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you for joining us today, and congratulations on your leadership at home," Bush said in a remark that reflected the camaraderie the two leaders have developed over a series of meetings.

The turbulent political developments back home did not appear to have any impact on the Prime Minister, who has staked a great deal on the nuclear agreement, when Singh said India's relationship "has never been in such good shape as it is today" and has "truly acquired the characteristics of a genuine strategic partnership".

Singh in his remarks did not refer to the deal but said the two countries have made progress in all areas including nuclear, defence, space co-operation and education exchanges.

"Our relations have moved forward handsomely since our first meeting in July 2005.... We have progress in nuclear cooperation, space cooperation, defence cooperation, educational exchanges, our working together in multilateral institutions for the success of the Doha Round.

"And I am very pleased with the state of our relationship, which has truly acquired the characteristic of a genuine strategic partnership," the Prime Minister said.

The leaders made the remarks after a meeting but took no questions.

"I thank the president for his personal and magnificent role in the evolution of our relationship. All I can say is our relationship has never been in such good shape as it is today," Singh said. "It is the intention of my government, as I believe it is also the will of the Indian people, particularly the thinking segments of our population, that in this increasingly interdependent world that we live in, whether it is a question of climate change, whether it is a question of managing the global economy, India and United States must stand tall, stand shoulder to shoulder, and that's what is going to happen," the Prime Minister said.

Bush said the two leaders talked about environment, free trade and the Doha round of negotiations.

"We discussed how important it is for the India and US to work together to find a common ground to make sure protectionist sentiments don't grow as a wall.