India, Canada Step Up Security Ties
OTTAWA -India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held high-level talks here to strengthen bilateral security cooperation with Canada, amid efforts to rebuild ties.
On February 7, Doval met Nathalie Drouin, Deputy Clerk and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada. The meeting formed part of the regular bilateral security dialogue between the two countries, an official press statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Both sides reviewed progress on ongoing initiatives to safeguard their nations and citizens. They agreed on a shared work plan to guide future collaboration on national security and law enforcement matters, paving the way for more practical joint efforts on shared priorities.
A key outcome of the discussions was the commitment to appoint security and law-enforcement liaison officers in each country. This step aims to improve communication channels and enable faster sharing of information on common threats, including the illegal trafficking of drugs—particularly fentanyl precursors—and activities of transnational organized crime networks.
The announcements followed official readouts by India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Canada’s Privy Council Office, highlighting the constructive tone of the discussions held in Ottawa.
The two officials also pledged to formalize cooperation in cybersecurity, including policy alignment and the exchange of information on cyber threats. They decided to continue advancing talks on joint work related to fraud prevention and immigration enforcement, while respecting each nation’s domestic laws and international commitments.
The visit underscored a mutual interest in deepening practical security links despite past strains in relations, the readout said.
Doval also met Gary Anandasangaree, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, on February 6, as part of the two-day visit. These engagements signal positive momentum in India-Canada security relations, with a focus on concrete measures to address cross-border challenges such as drug flows and organized crime. (IANS)
