Defence hogs limelight in 2+ 2

India and the United States on Thursday last signed a longnegotiated defence pact under which critical and encrypted defence technologies will be provided to the Indian military by the US after the two countries held their first 2+ 2 dialogue during which they also discussed key issues, including crossborder terrorism, India's NSG bid and the contentious H1B visa issue.

During the talks external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman had with US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Defence Secretary James Mattis, the two countries also decided to set up hotlines between them.

The two countries signed a “Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement”, known as COMCASA, that will enable them to exchange sensitive military information quickly and securely.

MILITARY EXERCISE

The US and Indian militaries will carry out large- scale joint exercises off India next year. The drills would be a first of sorts — the two countries’ forces have not previously trained simultaneously in the air, on the land and at sea.

Ms Sitharaman made the announcement at the end of a summit with Mr Mattis, Mr Pompeo and Ms Swaraj.

“We have decided to carry out for the first time a tri- services joint exercise with the United States off the eastern coast of India in 2019,” Ms Sitharaman said.

PAKISTAN WARNED

India and the US asked Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terror attacks and expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of cross- border terror strikes.

“The ministers denounced any use of terrorist proxies in the region, and in this context, they called on Pakistan to ensure that the territory under its control is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries,” a statement said.

They also called on Pakistan to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of the Mumbai, Pathankot ( 2016), Uri ( 2016), and other crossborder terrorist attacks, the statement said.

INDO- PACIFIC REGION

At a time when China was increasing its assertiveness in the Indo- Pacific, India and the US also vowed to work together towards advancing a free, open and inclusive region.

The two sides vowed to work closely for the peace and prosperity of the region.

H1B VISA

Terming the rapidly growing trade and investment ties as an important element of bilateral relationship, India said this growth is giving rise to new opportunities and a basis for more intense economic engagement which supports development of manufacturing, promotes knowledge and innovation, creates jobs and provides critical resources for growth.

The external affairs minister conveyed India's expectation for a non- discriminatory and predictable approach to the H1B visa regime.

The ministers also discussed thorny issues such as India's purchase of S400 missiles from Russia and import of crude oil from Iran. Washington will consider waivers for Iranian oil buyers such as India but they must eventually halt imports as sanctions are imposed on Tehran.