India, Canada step up security cooperation

EW DELHI: NSA Ajit Dovals first bilateral visit to Canada since the diplomatic strife over the killing of a Khalistani separatist in 2023 rocked the relationship between the countries saw both sides agreeing to a shared workplan to guide bilateral cooperation on national security and law enforcement issues, and to enable practical collaboration on respective priorities. Doval is learnt to have strongly conveyed to Canada that violent extremist groups should not enjoy any form of support from the Canadian govt.

According to an Indian readout, both sides acknowledged progress on initiatives aimed at supporting the safety and security of their countries and citizens.

The national security advisor met his counterpart Nathalie Drouin on Saturday, during a visit that the Indian govt described as part of regular bilateral security dialogue between the two sides. While there have been several high-level exchanges between the two sides in the recent past, including a visit to India by Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand, Dovals presence in Canada is being seen as an important confidence-building measure ahead of PM Mark Carneys visit to India next month.

According to a ministry of external affairs (MEA) statement, it was agreed that each country would establish security and law enforcement liaison officers and that their respective agencies would build on working relationships.

This important step will help streamline bilateral communication and enable timely information sharing on issues of mutual concern to Canada and India, such as the illegal flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl precursors, and transnational organised criminal networks, said the statement.

During her visit, Anand had told TOI that Canada is following a twin-track approach to India: active law enforcement dialogue to address security concerns and expanded cooperation in trade, technology and energy. The visit also saw both sides launching a new roadmap to revive economic ties amidst increasing global uncertainties.

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