Context:

On 18 September 2025, India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval met with his Canadian counterpart, Nathalie G. Drouin, in New Delhi. The meeting was part of efforts to mend relations between the two countries after a diplomatic breakdown since 2023.

Key outcomes:

·        Cooperation on Security: Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in counter‑terrorism. They also agreed to work together against transnational organised crime and to share intelligence more closely.

·        Rebuilding Trust: There is a clear momentum for rebuilding trust at senior levels of leadership between the two countries. Both nations intend to adopt a collaborative approach for a “new chapter” in their bilateral ties.

·        Existing Mechanisms and Dialogue: Both nations plan to reinforce existing security‑dialogue mechanisms (i.e. regular high‑level meetings, working‑level cooperation) instead of building everything new. The talks also followed up on earlier PM‑level engagements (notably the meeting between PM Modi and Canada PM Mark Carney at the G7 summit in June 2025).

Background: 

In 2023, Canada alleged credible evidence that agents of the Indian government were involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader; India strongly refuted these claims. The diplomatic fallout included expulsion of diplomats from both sides, withdrawal of Indian High Commissioner, and a freeze in various bilateral dialogues.

Implications

·        Improved Security Cooperation: Stronger intelligence sharing and joint work against transnational crime will help both countries counter threats (terrorism, extremism, illicit networks).

·        Better Diplomatic Relations: Restoration of high commissioners and regular diplomatic channels will ease tensions and reduce miscommunication.

·        Trade and Economic Opportunities: As trust is rebuilt, trade talks and strategic cooperation (critical minerals, technology, energy etc.) will likely resume or accelerate.

About India–Canada Relations:

India and Canada share historic ties, with diplomatic relations established in the 19th century. Both are members of the Commonwealth and G20. Trade between the two countries reached $9.36 billion in 2023.

·        After Indian independence, Canada played a role in development aid, especially through the Colombo Plan. However, relations soured after India’s 1974 nuclear test using a Canadian reactor. The 1985 Air India bombing by Khalistani extremists based in Canada further strained ties.

·        Economic liberalisation in the 1990s revived interest, and the 2010 Nuclear Cooperation Agreement marked progress. However, recurring tensions over Canada’s perceived leniency toward pro-Khalistan groups remain a major roadblock.

·        Despite challenges, strong diaspora and economic links continue to provide opportunities for rebuilding trust and long-term cooperation.

Conclusion:

The meeting between the NSAs of India and Canada signifies a renewed commitment to improving bilateral relations. By strengthening security cooperation and reactivating dialogue mechanisms, both countries aim to build trust and expand cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, and counterterrorism. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the relationship between the two countries, potentially unlocking new opportunities for cooperation and growth