'Safety Of Citizens': Ajit Doval, Canadian NSA Boost Security Ties; Khalistani Groups In Focus

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval embarked on a two-day trip to Canada, where he held talks with Nathalie Drouin, Deputy Clerk and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Canadian Prime Minister, as part of a regular bilateral security dialogue between the two sides.

The talks between Doval and Drouin provided a clear reset in India-Canada ties and sent a strong message that violent extremist groups, such as the Khalistani-linked networks, do not enjoy the support of the Canadian government, top government sources told CNN-News18.

Sources said the talks focus on opening real-time intelligence sharing on drugs, cyber threats and extremism, with Khalistani-linked groups in focus. The discussions marked Ottawa’s shift from political

posturing to law enforcement action on anti-India activities, sources informed.

What Was Discussed In The Meeting?

According to an official statement, the two sides acknowledged the progress on initiatives aimed at supporting the safety and security of their countries and citizens. They agreed to a shared work plan to guide bilateral cooperation on national security and law enforcement issues and to enable practical collaboration on respective priorities.

It was also agreed during the meeting that each country would establish security and law-enforcement liaison officers and that their respective agencies would build on working relationships. This would help streamline bilateral communications and enable timely information sharing on issues of mutual concern to Canada and India, such as the illegal flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl precursors, and transnational organised criminal networks.

Doval and Drouin also committed to formalising cooperation on cybersecurity policy and information sharing on cybersecurity issues, as well as continuing discussions on cooperation related to fraud and immigration enforcement.

Focus On Rebuilding Trust

Government sources told CNN-News18 that the talks in Ottawa were not about optics but focused on rebuilding trust. The decision to post law-enforcement liaison officers shows a shared recognition that Khalistani networks are now viewed as organised crime, not free speech.

Doval also raised the issue of extremist fundraising, intimidation, and propaganda linked with drug money, document fraud and coercion within the diaspora, which is targeting India. The focus on narcotics is strategic and intelligence assessments say synthetic drug profits to transnational groups, sources said.

Additionally, coordinated cyber policy and data sharing is important for agencies on both sides as extremist groups use online methods for recruitment, radicalisation and fundraising. Such groups also exploit immigration loopholes to move operatives or evade scrutiny after targeting India.

Furthermore, Doval also met Gary Anandasangaree, Minister for Public Safety of Canada, which signalled Ottawa’s willingness to improve ties between the two countries. The Canadian government is also ready to accept that violent extremism directed at India from abroad is no longer a diplomatic irritant but a public-safety issue, sources informed.

The meeting comes as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for a likely visit to India in the first week of March. According to India’s High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik, Carney is expected to travel to New Delhi to sign agreements on uranium, energy, critical minerals and artificial intelligence.