Ajit Doval & Canadian NSA Decide to Bolster Security Ties
NSA Ajit Doval and Nathalie Drouin, the Deputy Clerk and National Security and Intelligence Advisor, Prime Minister of Canada reached an agreement on a joint work plan aimed at facilitating bilateral cooperation on matters related to national security and law enforcement.
This agreement also sought to promote practical collaboration on each country's respective priorities. They made the strategic decision to develop an expanded framework for fostering tangible cooperation to effectively combat shared challenges, including transnational criminal syndicates.
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This crucial measure will facilitate the enhancement of bilateral communications and facilitate prompt sharing of information on mutual areas of interest between Canada and India, such as the illicit trafficking of drugs, especially fentanyl precursors, and cross-border criminal networks.
Both India and Canada view this action as a step towards improving their strained relations after a diplomatic dispute arose from the death of Khalistani separatist Nijjar in 2023. NSA Doval's trip to Ottawa coincided with both parties coordinating arrangements for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's anticipated visit to India in the near future.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed information about the meeting between Doval and Drouin, stating that both parties acknowledged the advancements on projects designed to bolster the safety and security of their nations and people.
It was expressed that this crucial measure will enhance bilateral communication efficiency and facilitate prompt exchange of information on matters of shared interest, including the illicit trafficking of drugs, especially fentanyl precursors, and transnational organized crime networks. NSA Doval had a meeting with Canada's Minister for Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree.
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"They agreed to a shared work plan to guide bilateral cooperation on national security and law enforcement issues and to enable practical collaboration on respective priorities," the MEA says.
"During the meeting, it was agreed that each country would establish security and law-enforcement liaison officers and that their respective agencies would build on working relationships," the MEA says.
The India-Canada relations reached a low point after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of potentially being connected to the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.
It said, “They also committed to formalising cooperation on cybersecurity policy and information sharing on cybersecurity issues, as well as continuing discussions on cooperation related to fraud and immigration enforcement, consistent with domestic laws and international obligations”.
India rejected Trudeau's allegation as "preposterous." In October 2024, India summoned its top diplomat and five additional diplomatic personnel back to the country following efforts by Ottawa to associate them with the Nijjar case. India then proceeded to expel an equivalent number of Canadian diplomats in retaliation.
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The outcome of the parliamentary election in April of the previous year, which saw Carney's triumph as leader of the Liberal Party, marked the initiation of efforts to restore relations. Both parties have already appointed their ambassadors in the respective capitals.