New Delhi: In NSA Ajit Doval’s first bilateral visit to Canada since the diplomatic conflict over the killing of Khalistan separatists in 2023 rocked relations between the two countries, the two sides agreed to develop a “joint working plan” to guide bilateral cooperation on national security and law enforcement issues and achieve “practical cooperation” on their respective priorities. It is reported that Doval has strongly expressed to Canada that violent extremist groups should not receive any form of support from the Canadian government. According to reports in India, both sides acknowledged progress on initiatives to support the security of their respective countries and citizens. The national security adviser met with India’s National Security Adviser Nathalie Drouin on Saturday, a visit the Indian government said was part of regular bilateral security dialogue. Doval’s visit to Canada is seen as an important confidence-building measure ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India next month, despite several recent high-level interactions between the two sides, including a visit by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to India. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides agreed that each country would “establish security and law enforcement liaison officers and their respective agencies would establish working relationships”. “This important step will help streamline bilateral communications and allow for the timely sharing of information on issues of mutual interest to Canada and India, such as illicit drug flows, particularly fentanyl precursors, and transnational organized crime networks,” the statement said. Anand told TOI during his visit that Canada is taking a two-track approach with India: actively engaging in law enforcement dialogue to address security issues and expanding cooperation on trade, technology and energy. The visit also saw both sides launch a new roadmap to reinvigorate economic ties amid growing global uncertainty. The two sides also committed to formalize cybersecurity policy cooperation and information sharing on cybersecurity issues, consistent with domestic laws and international obligations, and continue negotiations on anti-fraud and immigration enforcement cooperation. Doval also met with Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree on Friday.
