New Delhi: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart, Nathalie G. Drouin, met on Thursday, September 18, in New Delhi to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between India and Canada. Their discussions focused on key areas such as counterterrorism, combating transnational organised crime, and intelligence exchanges, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
This meeting was part of the regular bilateral security dialogue between the two countries and provided an opportunity to follow up on the discussions held earlier this year between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada.
The MEA stated, “Both sides acknowledged the clear momentum for rebuilding trust and expanding cooperation at the highest levels of political leadership. They had productive discussions on advancing the bilateral relationship, including in areas such as counterterrorism, combating transnational organised crime and intelligence exchanges.”
Both NSAs agreed to work closely on the way forward and adopt a collaborative approach towards ushering in a new chapter in bilateral relations. They also committed to strengthening security cooperation and further reinforcing existing mechanisms of engagement.
According to the MEA statement, “The two NSAs also deliberated on the priority areas for future cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global developments.”
Reacting to recent reports of growing Khalistani threats targeting Indian diplomatic missions in Canada, including the Indian Consulate in Vancouver, the MEA emphasized that the responsibility for providing security lies with the Canadian government.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, “It is the responsibility of the Canadian government or the host government wherever we have diplomatic establishments to provide security as and when there is a concern. We do take it up with the concerned side, in this case, Canada, to ensure that there is adequate security of our diplomatic premises.”
This response came shortly after the NSA talks between India and Canada, highlighting ongoing security concerns.
Jaiswal further added, “The NSA of Canada held talks with our National Security Advisor, I think it happened yesterday, the 18th. This is part of the regular bilateral security consultations that happen between the two countries. It was also an opportunity and an occasion for them to follow up on the discussions that happened between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Carney in Kananaskis on the sidelines of the G7 in Alberta, Canada.”
The June 18 discussions at the G7 Summit were aimed at reviving the strained ties between the two nations. The talks were described as “very positive and constructive” by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
As an initial step towards normalization, both leaders agreed to restore their High Commissioners to each other’s capitals at the earliest opportunity. Additionally, they resolved to revive senior and working-level mechanisms on various fronts.
They also agreed to resume consultations and discussions relating to trade, people-to-people contact, and connectivity – all intended to bring greater momentum to the India-Canada relationship.
Tensions between India and Canada had escalated after former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in the Canadian Parliament that he had “credible allegations” of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
This led to a major diplomatic row when Canada designated India’s High Commissioner and other diplomats as “persons of interest” in the investigation into Nijjar’s death.
India strongly denied all allegations, calling them “absurd” and “motivated,” and accused Ottawa of providing space to extremist and anti-India elements within Canada.
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https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/nsa-ajit-doval-canadian-counterpart-nathalie-drouin-hold-talks-to-strengthen-security-counterterrorism-and-intelligence-cooperation
