With the government set to fast-forward implementation of the Indo-US nuclear deal, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] has held talks with world leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose country is the chair of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, apparently to garner support.

Besides Merkel, Singh held telephonic conversations with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, whose countries are key members of the 45-nation NSG.

During the talks, Singh is understood to have sought their support for India's case in the NSG, which has to give a waiver to allow New Delhi to have civil nuclear cooperation with the international community.

Conversation with Merkel has added significance as her country is heading the NSG.

Racing against time to operationalise the nuclear deal with the US, India is seeking an early meeting of the NSG so that its case can be taken up and cleared. In this regard, Germany [Images] will play a key role.

The government has already started sending its ministers and some senior officials to various NSG countries to muster support.

Medvedev, Brown and Merkel are understood to have congratulated Singh on his victory in the confidence motion.