The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has acknowledged that transnational organized crime is a shared concern for both India and Canada. This statement follows a period of strained relations between the two countries, exacerbated by allegations of India's involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. However, recent developments suggest a cautious प्रयास to rebuild trust and cooperation.

NSA-Level Dialogue and Collaborative Approach

A significant step in this direction was the meeting between National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart, Nathalie Drouin, in New Delhi. The MEA characterized the talks as productive, focusing on advancing the bilateral relationship, including in areas such as counter-terrorism, combating transnational organized crime, and intelligence exchanges. Both NSAs agreed to strengthen security cooperation and reinforce existing mechanisms of engagement. They also deliberated on priority areas for future cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global developments.

The MEA stated that India and Canada have agreed to adopt a collaborative approach towards a "new chapter" in their bilateral ties, which includes working closely to combat terrorism and transnational crimes. This collaborative approach signifies a mutual understanding of the threats posed by these issues and a willingness to address them jointly.

India's Concerns and Canada's Response

India has long expressed concerns about Khalistan separatist networks operating in Canada and their links to organized crime syndicates. Indian officials maintain that these groups not only foment anti-India activities but also channel funds into extremist propaganda and criminal enterprises. These concerns were conveyed to the Canadian side during the NSA-level talks.

In a recent development, the Canadian government designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity under its Criminal Code. This move grants authorities the power to freeze assets, block funding, and prosecute members under "anti-terrorism" laws. This decision by Canada is seen as a significant step, especially since India had previously shared warnings and information about the gang's activities.

Towards a 'New Normal'

Experts suggest that India and Canada are no longer trying to restore their relationship to its past state but are instead cautiously constructing a "new normal" based on reciprocity, rules, and operational trust. The focus is on managing differences and anchoring cooperation through structured channels. The agenda is practical and narrow, focusing on counter-terrorism, transnational crime, and intelligence exchange, with the aim of strengthening existing mechanisms.

Both countries acknowledge that unmanaged drift in the relationship is costlier than managed engagement. Canada's CSIS has publicly acknowledged that some Canada-based Khalistani extremists continue to use Canadian soil for fundraising, propaganda, and operational planning, which can lead to criminal activities in India. The same report also acknowledges that such activities and groups undermine not just bilateral relations but also Canada's own national security.

Despite the progress, challenges remain. These include threats to Indian missions and officials, contested extradition requests, and criminal networks that span both countries. However, the recent NSA-level dialogue and Canada's actions against the Lawrence Bishnoi gang indicate a willingness on both sides to address these challenges and work towards a more stable and cooperative relationship.