NSA Ajit Doval's Landmark Canada Visit Establishes Security Framework
In a significant diplomatic move, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval undertook his first bilateral visit to Canada since the 2023 diplomatic crisis triggered by the killing of a Khalistani separatist. This high-stakes engagement, aimed at mending fractured ties, culminated in both nations agreeing to a comprehensive "shared workplan" to steer bilateral cooperation on critical national security and law enforcement fronts.
Core Agreements and Security Dialogue
The visit, described by the Indian government as part of the regular bilateral security dialogue, saw Doval meet his Canadian counterpart, Nathalie Drouin, on Saturday. A pivotal outcome was the mutual commitment to establish security and law enforcement liaison officers in each country. This structural enhancement is designed to streamline communication and facilitate prompt information sharing on pressing mutual concerns.
According to an official Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement, these concerns prominently include the illegal trafficking of drugs, especially fentanyl precursors, and the operations of transnational organized criminal networks. The agreement enables "practical collaboration" on respective national priorities, marking a concrete step toward rebuilding trust.
Firm Stance on Extremism and Expanded Cooperation
During the discussions, NSA Doval is reported to have strongly conveyed India's position to Canadian authorities, emphasizing that violent extremist groups must not receive any form of support from the Canadian government. Both sides acknowledged measurable progress on existing initiatives dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of their citizens and territories.
Beyond traditional security, the dialogue expanded into new domains. Both nations committed to formalizing cooperation on cybersecurity policy and enhancing information sharing on cyber threats. Talks will continue on collaboration regarding fraud and immigration enforcement, operating within the bounds of domestic laws and international obligations.
A Confidence-Building Measure Ahead of High-Level Visits
Doval's presence in Canada is widely perceived as a crucial confidence-building measure, setting a constructive tone ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's scheduled visit to India next month. While there have been several high-level exchanges recently, including a visit by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to India, Doval's trip carries substantial symbolic and operational weight in the ongoing reconciliation process.
In a related development, the visit also saw the launch of a new roadmap to revive economic ties against a backdrop of increasing global uncertainties. This aligns with the twin-track approach articulated by Minister Anand during her India visit, which couples active law enforcement dialogue with expanded cooperation in trade, technology, and energy sectors.
Prior to his meeting with Drouin, NSA Doval also held discussions with Gary Anandasangaree, the Canadian Minister for Public Safety, on Friday, further broadening the scope of the security and diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
