At the first Indo-US 2+2 Dialogue here on Thursday, the two nations agreed to strengthen trade ties by addressing the issues of both sides, deepen defence cooperation through various pacts including the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement, and proactively address thorny issues such as oil imports from Iran.

“In our meeting today, we also agreed to work together to secure India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group at the earliest,” said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in a media statement after the meeting, where she and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo and US Defence Secretary James N Mattis. The next meeting will be held in the US in 2019.

Swaraj also stressed on the importance of a more stable and friendly H-1B visa regime for Indian professionals in the US. “Specifically, I conveyed our expectation for a non-discriminatory and predictable approach to the H-1B visa regime, given its high impact on innovation, competitiveness and people-to-people partnership, all of which are a vital source of strength for our relationship,” she said.

While India’s continued oil imports from Iran after US sanctions kicking in in November did not find mention in the official statements, government officials told BusinessLine it was discussed extensively.

“India pointed out its sensitivities in the area, including the fact that Iran is a reliable source of cheap oil for the country. The US side took note of all the points raised. The discussions are work in progress,” said an official said.

The two sides committed to expanding and balancing their trade and economic partnerships consistent with their leaders’ 2017 joint statement. They will achieve this by facilitating trade, improving market access and addressing the issues of interest to both sides.

“In this regard, both sides welcomed the ongoing exchanges between the Ministry of Commerce of India and the Office of the United States Trade Representative and hoped for mutually acceptable outcomes,” the statement said.

“Issues of concern on both sides, such as the penal duties imposed by the US on India’s steel and aluminium and the US’ demand for a more balanced bilateral trade, were recognised,” the official said.

According to the joint statement, the two sides signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) that will facilitate access to advanced defence systems and enable India to optimally utilise its existing US-origin platforms. The Ministers also announced their readiness to begin negotiations on an Industrial Security Annex (ISA) that would support closer defence industry cooperation and collaboration.

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