NEW DELHI: Strategic convergence was the buzzword during the first India-US '2+2' dialogue as the two sides signed important defence agreements breaking down historical barriers, committing New Delhi and Washington to work together on the open seas, critical technology, counter-terrorism and Indo-Pacific, even as trade and economic disputes remain unresolved.The tone for the talks was set by the special gesture of Sushma Swaraj and Nirmala Sitharaman receiving their respective counterparts Mike Pompeo and James Mattis at the airport Wednesday evening. As the discussions were underway, it was clear, according to sources, that neither side wanted to engage in a combative negotiation on a laundry list of issues. Sources said the four leaders set the broad direction, describing the talks as “positive and constructive”. Both sides were willing to listen, “we didn’t want to make an issue out of the issues.” After the dialogue, Pompeo and Mattis called on the prime minister Narendra Modi, a meeting that went on for almost an hour.The most important takeaway was the signature of COMCASA, ‘Communications, Compatibility, Security Agreement’ which “will facilitate access to advanced defense systems and enable India to optimally utilize its existing U.S.-origin platforms” as a joint statement said. This “foundational” pact, long under negotiations, would help services of both countries to advance interoperability efforts, as the US becomes one of India’s closest defence partners in the world. COMCASA comes into effect immediately, and is actually an enabling agreement, with terms that apply to all US-origin platforms that India has already bought or plans to buy, with distinct India-specific features -- no disruption in supplies, no sharing of data generated by this agreement and national security concerns to be respected.In the discussions on Iran sanctions, the US were clear that they would expect to see sharp reductions by India, but did not get into numbers. Swaraj insisted India was an energy-reliant economy. But it appears the two sides may get to a carve-out for Chahbahar port, which had existed in the previous sanctions legislation too. In a press conference later, Pompeo said they understood countries like India would “take time to unwind” and work with them. “We have told the Indians consistently that on November 4th the sanctions with respect to Iranian crude oil will be enforced, and that we will consider waivers where appropriate, but that it is our expectation that the purchases of Iranian crude oil will go to zero from every country, or sanctions will be imposed.”Indian officials said they did not raise CAATSA and Russian sanctions during the 2+2 dialogue, but the Indians were assured by Mattis that “legacy platforms” would be respected. They clarified that new purchases and the S-400 falls within this, might come under sanctions. In his press conference, Pompeo said, “With respect to the S-400, no decision has been made. We are working to impose CAATSA Section 231 in a way that is appropriate and lawful and to exercise that waiver authority only where it makes sense.”The joint statement “welcomed the inclusion of India by the United States among the top tier of countries entitled to license-free exports, re-exports, and transfers under License Exception Strategic Trade Authorization (STA-1) and also committed to explore other means to support further expansion in two-way trade in defense items and defense manufacturing supply chain linkages. They welcomed the signing of a Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) that will facilitate access to advanced defense systems and enable India to optimally utilize its existing U.S.-origin platforms. The Ministers also announced their readiness to begin negotiations on an Industrial Security Annex (ISA) that would support closer defense industry cooperation and collaboration.”As expected the ‘Indo-Pacific’ took up most of the time during the dialogue. In his opening remarks, Pompeo said, “India and the United States have a natural starting point for advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific. We should continue to ensure the freedom of the seas and the skies; uphold the peaceful resolution of territorial maritime disputes; promote market-based economics; support good governance, fundamental rights, and liberties; and prevent external economic coercion.” The time taken on this issue signalled its importance for both countries as they aim to build a counter-narrative to China’s aggressiveness in this region.Pompeo briefed the Indian side about his conversations with the new leadership in Pakistan . Sources present at the meeting said the US stressed there was no change in their South Asia strategy, though there were some “positive” indications from the new Pakistani leadership. The US said more action was needed on the ground by Pakistan. The new US special envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad accompanied Pompeo to Islamabad, but interestingly, did not come to Delhi, mindful of Indian concerns.Pompeo also reminded Indians that 10 years ago on this day, “intense” lobbying by the US had resulted in India getting a unique nuclear waiver by the Nuclear Suppliers Group. In her remarks, Swaraj asked the US to continue helping India to get membership into the NSG, hoping to keep up the momentum, even though its China that is blocking India’s entry. She said, "The recent decision by the US to put India in the list of countries eligible for Strategic Trade Authorization Tier-I License Exemption reflects India’s robust and responsible export control policies. we also agreed to work together to secure India’s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group at the earliest.”