India, Canada seek to mend fences; discuss ways to strengthen security cooperation

India and Canada discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, combating transnational organised crime, and Intelligence exchanges, in a bid to reset bilateral ties.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday said National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart Nathalie G Drouin met in New Delhi on Thursday as part of the regular bilateral security dialogue between the two sides.

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The meeting provided an opportunity for the two delegations to follow up on the discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, in Alberta, Canada, earlier this year.

“Both sides acknowledged the clear momentum for rebuilding trust and expanding cooperation at the highest levels of political leadership. They had productive discussions on advancing the bilateral relationship, including in areas such as counterterrorism, combating transnational organised crime and Intelligence exchanges,” the MEA said.

Both sides also agreed to work closely on the way forward and adopt a collaborative approach towards a new chapter in bilateral relations, it added.

“They agreed to strengthen security cooperation and further reinforce existing mechanisms of engagement. The two NSAs also deliberated on the priority areas for future cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global developments,” the statement said.

Relations between India and Canada suffered a major blow after the then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of Indian officials in the killing of Khalistan supporter Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023. New Delhi dismissed the charge as absurd and motivated, while accusing Ottawa of giving space to extremist and anti-India elements in the country.

After a prolonged low in bilateral ties, the two countries have been trying to reset the relationship since PM Modi visited the G7 Summit in June.

Meanwhile, while reacting strongly to reports of growing ‘Khalistani’ threats to Indian diplomatic missions in Canada, including the Indian Consulate in Vancouver, the MEA made it clear that it is the responsibility of the Canadian government to provide security, as and when there is a concern.

“It is the responsibility of the Canadian government or the host government wherever we are, wherever we have diplomatic establishments to provide security as and when there is a concern, we do take it up with the concerned side, in this case, Canada, to ensure that there is adequate security of our diplomatic premises,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi.