NSA Doval meets Canadian counterpart as India-Canada reset ties

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met his Canadian counterpart Nathalie G. Drouin, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday, as tensions between the two countries thaw after a year of diplomatic downfall.

The meeting between the two NSAs happened on September 18 in New Delhi. The two sides discussed matters that were part of the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit earlier this year.

What was discussed?

In a significant step toward rebuilding trust and deepening ties, both sides acknowledged growing momentum for enhanced cooperation at the highest political levels. During a series of productive discussions, the two National Security Advisers explored ways to advance the bilateral relationship, with a focus on counterterrorism, tackling transnational organised crime, and expanding intelligence-sharing efforts.

They agreed to bolster security cooperation and strengthen existing engagement mechanisms. The talks also included a comprehensive exchange of views on key regional and global developments, as well as deliberations on priority areas for future collaboration.

India-Canada ties

India and Canada, under former prime minister Justin Trudeau, sparred over the Khalistani issue, with matters going so sour that both countries pulled out their respective diplomats from each other’s countries.

However, the situation looks better now, after PM Carney made efforts to reset ties with New Delhi. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar echoed the growing optimism around the talks, stating that “things are moving in the right direction” and suggesting that high-level visits and the creation of joint security mechanisms could soon be back on the agenda.

Earlier this year, Carney held a phone conversation with PM Modi, reaffirming the longstanding relationship between Canada and India. “The two leaders discussed the longstanding relationship between Canada and India, including deep people-to-people ties and significant commercial links. Importantly, there was agreement to continued law enforcement dialogue and discussions addressing security concerns,” Prime Minister of Canada’s office said in a statement.

Following this phone call, the two leaders met during the G7 Summit in Canada’s Kananaskis, Alberta.