National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met with his Canadian counterpart, Nathalie Drouin, in New Delhi on Thursday, marking a significant step towards mending diplomatic ties between India and Canada. This meeting represents the first major engagement between the two countries' security establishments since both sides appointed new High Commissioners in August, following months of strained relations.
The high-level dialogue occurred nearly two years after relations were strained by Canada's allegations regarding the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged potential Indian involvement in Nijjar's death, a claim India has consistently denied. These allegations led to diplomatic expulsions, a reduction in diplomatic staff, and the suspension of trade talks, impacting people-to-people ties and causing delays in visa issuance.
During the meeting, Doval conveyed India's concerns regarding the activities of pro-Khalistani groups operating from Canada, as well as the safety and security of Indian diplomatic personnel and premises in Canada. India also raised the issue of pending extradition requests. Canadian authorities, in turn, voiced their concerns regarding transnational criminal networks with links to India.
The meeting between Doval and Drouin is seen as a follow-up to discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis in June. During that meeting, both leaders agreed to take constructive steps to restore stability in India-Canada relations, including the return of envoys to each other's capitals.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the meeting was part of the regular bilateral security consultations between the two countries. He also noted the responsibility of the Canadian government to ensure the security of Indian diplomatic premises.
In addition to the NSA-level talks, pre-Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) were held in New Delhi, with the Indian delegation led by Secretary (East) P Kumaran and the Canadian side led by Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison. These consultations provided an opportunity to review the state of India-Canada bilateral relations and exchange views on international and regional issues. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of their ties, based on shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also welcomed the return of High Commissioners to each other's capitals.
Both sides have agreed to reactivate key dialogues that were suspended during former Prime Minister Trudeau's tenure. To support strong people-to-people connections and expand economic opportunities, both sides decided to constructively address capacity-related issues at their respective Missions and Consulates.
Sources indicate that the talks did not focus on the Nijjar case, which is currently in trial court. Instead, discussions centered on moving forward with information sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation, as well as India's requests for the extradition of wanted Khalistani activists.
This recent engagement between India and Canada signals a mutual interest in repairing and strengthening bilateral relations after a period of considerable strain. By addressing each other's concerns and resuming dialogue mechanisms, both countries are taking steps toward a more stable and constructive partnership.
