Following NSA-level talks held in New Delhi, India and Canada have agreed to strengthen security cooperation and work towards a collaborative security workplan. The meeting between National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart, Nathalie G. Drouin, National Security and Intelligence Adviser of Canada, took place on September 18 and served as a part of the regular bilateral security dialogue between the two countries.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions also acted as a follow-up to conversations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada. Both sides expressed optimism about rebuilding trust and expanding cooperation at the highest levels of political leadership.
The productive discussions aimed at advancing the bilateral relationship, specifically in areas such as counterterrorism, 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 both countries have agreed to work closely together and adopt a collaborative approach moving forward, signaling a "new chapter" in bilateral relations. In addition to the NSA-level talks, India and Canada held pre-Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi on September 19. Secretary (East) P Kumaran led the Indian side, while Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison led the Canadian delegation.
These discussions and consultations mark a significant step in the effort to repair relations between India and Canada, which experienced a downturn following allegations made by then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2023 regarding a potential Indian link to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist. India dismissed the charges as absurd and motivated, and accused Canada of providing a platform for extremist and anti-India elements. The situation led to diplomatic tensions, including the recall of High Commissioners and expulsion of diplomats by both countries.
However, recent efforts, including the appointment of envoys to each other's capitals three weeks before the NSA talks, indicate a mutual desire to move past the strained relations. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described earlier discussions on June 18 as "very positive and constructive". Both countries have resolved to revive senior and working-level mechanisms across various sectors, including trade, people-to-people contact, and connectivity.
India has also addressed the issue of growing Khalistani threats against Indian diplomatic missions in Canada, emphasizing that the Canadian government is responsible for providing security to these establishments.