India-Canada Security Cooperation

Brief Context

Context National Security Adviser of India Ajit Doval held high-level talks with Canadian officials in Ottawa to strengthen security cooperation, streamline information sharing and rebuild institutional links after nearly two years of diplomatic strain. Background In 2023, Canada alleged the involvement of Indian officials in the killing of a Canadian citizen linked to Khalistan extremism. India rejected the allegations as absurd and politically motivated leading to diplomatic expulsions, suspen

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Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations

Context

• National Security Adviser of India Ajit Doval held high-level talks with Canadian officials in Ottawa to strengthen security cooperation, streamline information sharing and rebuild institutional links after nearly two years of diplomatic strain.

Background

• In 2023, Canada alleged the involvement of Indian officials in the killing of a Canadian citizen linked to Khalistan extremism.
  • India rejected the allegations as absurd and politically motivated leading to diplomatic expulsions, suspension of trade negotiations, and deterioration of bilateral engagement.
• The current dialogue signals a calibrated effort to restore functional cooperation, particularly in security and law enforcement domains.

Key Outcomes of the Dialogue

• Work Plan on National Security: Both countries agreed on a structured work plan to guide cooperation on national security and law enforcement.
• Appointment of Liaison Officers: India and Canada will post security and law-enforcement liaison officers in each other’s countries to streamline bilateral communication and facilitate real-time information sharing. The focus areas include;
  • Illegal drug trafficking, especially fentanyl precursors.
  • Transnational organised criminal networks.
  • Extremist financing and document fraud.
• Addressing Extremism and Diaspora Issues: Discussions covered extremist fundraising, intimidation, and propaganda linked to organised crime networks.
• Cybersecurity Cooperation: Both sides agreed to formalise cooperation on cybersecurity policy. Also mechanisms for information sharing on cyber threats will be institutionalised.

Brief on India-Canada Relations

• Historical Relations: India and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1947.
  • Shared democratic values and Commonwealth membership have underpinned ties.
  • Relations were historically strained after India’s nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998, due to Canada’s non-proliferation stance.
• Economic Cooperation: In 2024 (January – August), total bilateral trade in goods amounted to USD 8.55 billion (India’s exports: USD 5.22 billion and India’s imports: USD 3.33 billion).
  • Negotiations continue on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA).
• Civil Nuclear Cooperation: Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) signed in 2010, operational since 2013.
  • A Joint Committee oversees implementation of the 2010 Agreement on “Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy”.
• Space Cooperation: MoUs signed in 1996 and 2003 between ISRO and Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
  • Cooperation includes satellite tracking, space astronomy, and commercial satellite launches.
  • ISRO’s commercial arm ANTRIX has launched multiple Canadian nanosatellites.
• Science and Technology: Department of Earth Science and Polar Canada have started a programme for exchange of knowledge and scientific research on Cold Climate (Arctic) Studies.
  • A Memorandum of Cooperation between National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and POLAR Canada was signed in 2020. 
• People-to-People Links: There are around 1.8 million Indo-Canadians and one million non-resident Indians in Canada, making up over 3% of its population.
  • India is the largest source of international students in Canada, with Indians making up around 40% of that group.
  • Strong cultural exchanges and vibrant diaspora influence bilateral perceptions.
• Multilateral Cooperation: Both countries cooperate in forums like the G20, Commonwealth, United Nations, and International Solar Alliance.

Way Ahead

• India–Canada relations have strong foundations and significant potential, especially in trade, education, and clean energy. However, bilateral ties remain fragile, with political and security concerns acting as key irritants. 
• The future of the relationship depends on how both countries manage these differences while leveraging shared interests.

Source: TH