Ajit Doval Canada visit yields shared workplan on national security, liaison officers, and cooperation on drugs and cybersecurity ahead of PM Carney’s India trip.
India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval visited Ottawa on 6-7 February 2026 for high-level talks, marking a significant step in India Canada security cooperation. The visit, the first such bilateral engagement at this level since tensions escalated in 2023 over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, focused on rebuilding practical ties. Doval met Canada’s Deputy Clerk and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister, Nathalie G. Drouin, on 7 February, and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree on 6 February.
The meetings resulted in agreement on a shared workplan to guide bilateral cooperation on national security and law enforcement. Both sides committed to establishing security and law-enforcement liaison officers in each country. This arrangement aims to streamline communications and enable timely information sharing on mutual concerns, including the illegal flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl precursors and transnational organised criminal networks.
India and Canada also pledged to formalise cooperation on cybersecurity policy and information sharing, while continuing discussions on fraud and immigration enforcement, in line with domestic laws and international obligations. The participants acknowledged progress on initiatives supporting the safety and security of their citizens.
Ajit Doval Visit to Canada: Key Meetings and Outcomes
The Ajit Doval visit to Canada occurred amid efforts to reset relations strained since Canada’s 2023 accusations linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s killing in British Columbia, an allegation India denied. Official readouts described the talks as part of regular bilateral security dialogue.
On 7 February, Doval and Drouin held discussions that produced concrete steps. They agreed that agencies would build on existing working relationships. The liaison officers will facilitate direct channels for addressing shared threats.
Doval’s earlier meeting with Anandasangaree on 6 February laid groundwork for these outcomes. The Public Safety Minister’s involvement highlighted focus on law enforcement priorities.
Both governments issued statements confirming the agreements. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted the visit prepared for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s planned trip to India in March 2026. Canada’s Privy Council Office readout emphasised mutual acknowledgment of progress and commitment to practical collaboration.
NSA Ajit Doval Ottawa: Focus on Mutual Priorities
During NSA Ajit Doval Ottawa engagements, priorities included countering drug trafficking networks and enhancing cybersecurity. Fentanyl precursors represent a pressing transnational issue, with flows affecting both nations. The shared workplan targets such challenges through coordinated action.
The cybersecurity commitment addresses rising digital threats. Both sides will pursue policy alignment and information exchange to bolster defences.
Immigration and fraud enforcement discussions will proceed consistently with legal frameworks. No specific timelines for liaison officer postings were detailed in public statements.
The talks signal intent to move beyond past diplomatic friction toward functional cooperation. High-level exchanges, including recent visits by Canadian officials to India, have supported this momentum.
Background
Relations between India and Canada deteriorated sharply in September 2023 when then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged potential Indian involvement in Nijjar’s killing. India rejected the claims as absurd and responded with diplomatic measures, including expelling diplomats. Tensions eased gradually through 2024-2025 with resumed dialogues and agreements on economic ties.
The February 2026 visit builds on prior engagements, including meetings between security advisors in 2025. It precedes Carney’s March visit, expected to address broader bilateral issues.
What’s Next
Implementation of the shared workplan and liaison officer exchange will test the reset’s durability. Progress on information sharing regarding drugs and cyber threats could pave the way for expanded cooperation. Carney’s upcoming India visit may provide further impetus to normalise ties.
Ajit Doval Canada engagements underscore a pragmatic approach to security challenges in a complex geopolitical landscape.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 9th, 2026
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