India and Canada Finalise Joint Work Plan to Strengthen National Security and Law Enforcement Cooperation

Yugcharan / 09/02/2026

India and Canada have agreed on a shared and structured work plan aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on national security, law enforcement and emerging cross-border challenges. The understanding was reached during a high-level security dialogue held in Ottawa, marking a significant step forward in efforts by both countries to stabilise and reset their relationship after a period of diplomatic strain.

The agreement followed meetings between India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart, Nathalie Drouin, who serves as Deputy Clerk and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Canadian Prime Minister. The visit is being seen as an important preparatory engagement ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s scheduled visit to India in March.

First High-Level Security Visit in Several Years

Mr. Doval’s visit to Canada on February 7 was the first of its kind since relations between the two countries came under pressure in 2023 following serious allegations made by Canadian authorities regarding a killing on Canadian soil. Against this backdrop, the Ottawa meetings were closely watched by diplomatic and security observers in both countries.

Officials described the discussions as “forward-looking” and focused on restoring institutional mechanisms that allow both sides to address shared concerns in a professional and structured manner. While sensitive issues were not publicly detailed, both delegations acknowledged the need to rebuild trust through sustained dialogue and practical cooperation.

Shared Work Plan on Security Cooperation

At the core of the discussions was a jointly agreed work plan designed to guide bilateral engagement on national security and law enforcement matters. According to officials familiar with the talks, the work plan outlines priority areas for cooperation, mechanisms for regular communication, and frameworks for operational coordination between relevant agencies.

The two sides recognised progress already made in certain areas related to the safety and security of their citizens and agreed that a formalised plan would help convert dialogue into actionable outcomes. The work plan is expected to serve as a roadmap for cooperation while respecting the domestic legal frameworks and international obligations of both countries.

Liaison Officers and Direct Agency Links

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was an agreement to establish dedicated security and law-enforcement liaison officers in each other’s countries. This step is intended to improve coordination, streamline communication and ensure timely sharing of information on issues of mutual concern.

Officials said that the presence of liaison officers would help reduce delays caused by bureaucratic channels and allow agencies to respond more effectively to transnational challenges. Both sides agreed that their respective security and law enforcement bodies would build upon existing professional relationships to deepen operational cooperation.

Focus on Transnational Crime and Drug Trafficking

During the talks, India and Canada identified transnational organised crime as a major shared concern. Particular emphasis was placed on the illegal flow of narcotics, including synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals, which have emerged as a serious public health and security challenge globally.

Canadian officials highlighted concerns related to fentanyl and its chemical precursors, while Indian officials underlined the importance of international cooperation to disrupt supply chains that span multiple countries. Both sides agreed that intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement actions would be critical in addressing these threats.

The discussions also covered broader organised criminal networks that operate across borders, including those involved in financial crimes, document fraud and human trafficking. Officials stressed that combating such networks requires sustained collaboration rather than isolated actions.

Cybersecurity and Digital Threats

Recognising the growing importance of digital security, India and Canada committed to formalising cooperation on cybersecurity policy and information sharing. The two sides agreed that cyber threats pose risks not only to government systems but also to critical infrastructure, businesses and citizens.

The discussions explored ways to improve coordination on identifying cyber vulnerabilities, responding to incidents and sharing best practices. Officials noted that cooperation in this domain would be guided by mutual respect for data protection norms and national sovereignty.

Cyber-enabled fraud and online financial crimes were also discussed, with both countries acknowledging the need to stay ahead of rapidly evolving methods used by criminal groups. Continued dialogue on these issues is expected under the new work plan.

Cooperation on Immigration Enforcement and Fraud

Another area highlighted during the meeting was cooperation related to immigration enforcement and fraud prevention. Officials from both sides agreed to continue discussions aimed at addressing misuse of immigration systems, while ensuring that legitimate mobility, education and people-to-people exchanges are not adversely affected.

The two countries reaffirmed that any cooperation in this area would be consistent with domestic laws and international commitments, including the protection of individual rights and due process.

Engagement Beyond the NSA-Level Talks

In addition to his meeting with Ms. Drouin, Mr. Doval also held discussions with Gary Anandasangaree, Canada’s Minister for Public Safety, a day earlier. These meetings provided an opportunity to align perspectives across political and institutional levels and reinforce the message that both sides are committed to constructive engagement.

Officials said the interactions reflected a shared understanding that sustained dialogue at multiple levels is necessary to manage differences and rebuild cooperation in sensitive areas.

Setting the Stage for High-Level Political Engagement

Mr. Doval’s visit is widely viewed as setting the groundwork for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming visit to India. Diplomatic sources indicated that progress at the security adviser level could help create a more conducive environment for broader discussions on political, economic and people-to-people ties during the prime ministerial engagement.

While security issues remain complex, both sides appeared keen to signal that dialogue and institutional cooperation are the preferred path forward. Analysts noted that the agreement on a shared work plan suggests a willingness to move beyond episodic exchanges towards a more predictable and structured relationship.

A Cautious but Constructive Reset

The outcome of the Ottawa meetings does not resolve all outstanding issues between India and Canada, but it represents a cautious and pragmatic step toward stabilising ties. By focusing on practical cooperation in areas such as law enforcement, cybersecurity and transnational crime, both countries appear to be seeking common ground where mutual interests clearly align.

Officials from both sides emphasised that trust-building will take time and will depend on consistent follow-through on agreed commitments. The establishment of liaison officers and regular agency-level engagement are expected to be early indicators of how effectively the new work plan is implemented.

Looking Ahead

As India and Canada navigate a complex bilateral landscape, the agreement on a shared security work plan signals an intent to keep communication channels open and functional. With high-level political engagement on the horizon, both countries are likely to continue balancing firm positions on sensitive issues with the practical need for cooperation in an interconnected world.

For now, the Ottawa talks have provided a structured framework for engagement, offering a basis on which India and Canada can address shared security challenges while working towards a more stable and predictable relationship in the months ahead.