India’s NSA Ajit Doval holds high-level security talks in Canada, agreeing on liaison officers, cybersecurity cooperation, and intelligence sharing to combat drug trafficking, organised crime, and cross-border threats, signalling renewed momentum in India–Canada security relations.
India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval held high-level security discussions in Canada this week, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries amid ongoing efforts to stabilise and rebuild diplomatic ties.
The meetings took place in Ottawa as part of the established bilateral security dialogue between India and Canada, focusing on shared security challenges, law enforcement coordination, and emerging threats in the cyber domain. According to an official statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions reflected a constructive and forward-looking approach from both sides.
On Saturday, NSA Doval met Nathalie Drouin, Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada. During the meeting, both officials conducted a comprehensive review of existing security cooperation initiatives aimed at safeguarding national interests and ensuring the safety of citizens in both countries.
The two sides agreed on a shared and structured work plan that will guide future collaboration in national security and law enforcement. This roadmap is expected to translate policy-level understanding into more practical and operational cooperation on areas of mutual concern.
One of the most significant outcomes of the talks was the mutual decision to appoint dedicated security and law-enforcement liaison officers in each other’s countries. Officials said this move would significantly enhance real-time communication and enable faster exchange of intelligence related to common threats.
The liaison mechanism is expected to play a crucial role in addressing issues such as the illegal trafficking of narcotics, particularly fentanyl precursors, which has emerged as a major public safety challenge in North America. The discussions also addressed the growing threat posed by transnational organised crime networks operating across borders.
Both governments highlighted that improved coordination through liaison officers would help law enforcement agencies act more swiftly and effectively against criminal syndicates involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and other serious crimes.
In addition to law enforcement cooperation, cybersecurity emerged as a key focus area during the talks. The two sides agreed to formalise cooperation in cybersecurity, including policy coordination, capacity building, and the sharing of information on cyber threats. This reflects growing concerns over cybercrime, ransomware attacks, and state-sponsored cyber activities that pose risks to critical infrastructure and national security.
Officials said discussions on cybersecurity would continue, with an emphasis on aligning policies and enhancing institutional collaboration while respecting each country’s domestic laws and international obligations.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing discussions related to fraud prevention and immigration enforcement. Both sides agreed to advance cooperation in these areas in a manner consistent with legal frameworks and international commitments, underlining the importance of trust and transparency.
The outcomes of the Ottawa discussions were confirmed through official readouts issued by both India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Canada’s Privy Council Office. The statements underscored the positive and constructive tone of the engagement, despite strains in bilateral relations in the recent past.
As part of his two-day visit, NSA Doval also met Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, on Friday, February 6. That meeting further reinforced the focus on practical measures to address cross-border security challenges, including organised crime, drug flows, and public safety concerns.
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Observers view the visit as a signal of renewed engagement and cautious optimism in India–Canada security relations. While broader diplomatic issues remain, officials from both sides described the discussions as important steps toward rebuilding trust and enhancing cooperation on issues of shared strategic importance.
By prioritising tangible outcomes such as liaison officers, cybersecurity cooperation, and intelligence sharing, both India and Canada appear to be focusing on pragmatic solutions to complex security challenges. The visit underscores a mutual recognition that sustained dialogue and operational collaboration are essential to addressing evolving threats in an increasingly interconnected world.
