Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): In a major step toward normalizing diplomatic relations, India and Canada have agreed on a comprehensive security action plan to address transnational crime and violent extremism. Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, confirmed on Tuesday that both nations have recognized the urgent need for “on time and online” cooperation to safeguard their citizens.
The breakthrough follows high-level discussions between India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart, Nathalie Drouin, during Doval’s recent visit to Ottawa. The newly established framework aims to streamline communication through the appointment of dedicated liaison officers. This system is designed to facilitate real-time information sharing on a variety of critical security threats, including fentanyl smuggling, cybercrime, illegal immigration fraud, and the activities of transnational organized criminal networks.+1
The High Commissioner emphasized that this security reset is a cornerstone of the broader transformation in India-Canada ties. Relations had plummeted in 2023 due to disagreements over the handling of separatist elements and allegations surrounding the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. However, the trajectory shifted following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis in mid-2025 and the subsequent reinstatement of High Commissioners in September.+1
Patnaik noted that the upcoming visit of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, starting February 26, will “put a stamp” on these recent efforts. Carney’s itinerary includes stops in Mumbai and New Delhi, where he is expected to finalize a host of agreements spanning aerospace, defense, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence.
By prioritizing joint law enforcement and security dialogue, both New Delhi and Ottawa appear committed to moving past previous diplomatic friction. The focus has now turned toward a “multi-dimensional relationship” that balances economic growth through the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with a robust, shared defense against global security threats.
