NSA Ajit Doval meets Canadian counterpart as Delhi and Ottawa look to mend ties

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met senior Canadian officials in Ottawa on Feb. 6 and 7, with both sides agreeing on steps to deepen security cooperation, streamline information sharing and rebuild institutional ties after nearly two years of diplomatic efforts.

Doval met Nathalie Drouin, deputy secretary and national security and intelligence adviser to the Canadian prime minister, on February 7 as part of a “regular bilateral security dialogue,” according to an official readout.

A day earlier, he also had talks with Gary Anandasangaree, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety.

SHARED WORK PLAN, LIAISON OFFICERS

The two sides “recognized progress on initiatives aimed at supporting the safety and security of their countries and citizens” and agreed to a “shared work plan to guide bilateral cooperation on national security and law enforcement issues and to enable practical cooperation on respective priorities,” the statement said.

In a significant move, India and Canada decided that each country would appoint security and law enforcement liaison officers. Their agencies will build on existing working relationships to “streamline bilateral communications and enable timely information exchange” on issues of mutual interest.

This includes the illicit flow of drugs, especially fentanyl precursors, and transnational organized crime networks.

CYBER, FRAUD, IMMIGRATION ON THE AGENDA

Both governments have also committed to formalize cooperation on cybersecurity policy and intensify information exchange in this area.
They agreed to continue discussions on fraud and immigration enforcement, while remaining consistent with domestic laws and international obligations.

INDIA-CANADA TIE RESET

The visit comes amid visible efforts by both capitals to stabilize ties following the rift that emerged in 2023 following the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

The then Justin Trudeau-led Canadian government had alleged potential Indian links to the killing, allegations that New Delhi rejected as “absurd.” The episode led to the expulsion of diplomats, suspension of trade talks and a sharp slowdown in political engagement.

Since then, both sides have cautiously moved toward renewed engagement. The appointment of high commissioners last year restored full diplomatic representation, while ministers have resumed travel.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit India in early March, where discussions are likely to take place on energy, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, emerging technologies, education and culture.

ENERGY TO ANCHOR COMMITMENT

In a recent interview with India Today TV, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson described the partnership in expansive terms.

“Canada sees not just an opportunity, but a strategic imperative to work with India in shaping a secure, resilient and mutually beneficial energy future,” he said.

Hodgson called the two countries “a perfect match” and pointed to India’s position as the fastest growing source of global energy demand and Canada’s capacity as a supplier of LNG, conventional oil, uranium, potash and critical minerals.

“There is a strong affinity between our countries, strengthened by nearly two million Indian Canadians,” he added.

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