As Parliament here debated the government's confidence motion, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee had a telephonic talk with US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice during which they discussed issues related to next steps in implementation of the nuclear deal.

Rice told Mukherjee that she would discuss he Indo-US nuclear issue during her visits abroad, including Australia and New Zealand [Images].

The two held "friendly and congratulatory conversation," US Ambassador David Mulford told reporters during a telephonic press conference.

She talked about the importance of India and US going to work together on next steps -- approval of India-specific safeguards agreement by the IAEA and waiver by NSG, Mulford said.

Rice is travelling and she indicated she will be talking to leaders on her trip, he added.

India is also going to send a number of ministers and senior officials to various countries to garner support for the nuclear initiative.

"We are actively on way to do this business," Mulford said.

The Ambassador said he himself had held meetings with the US' Steering Committee of the State Department to discuss how to put various moving pieces in the nuclear deal together.