India and Canada are set to enhance their relationship, focusing on collaborative efforts to combat terrorism and international crime. This decision was reached during talks between Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart, Nathalie Drouin, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs. The discussions, held in Delhi, prioritized the need for joint action in addressing these critical issues.
The dialogue between Doval and Drouin covered several key areas, including counter-terrorism operations, the sharing of intelligence, and strategies to tackle organized crime. Additionally, both countries emphasized the importance of developing a common approach to regional and global challenges. The Ministry of External Affairs noted the accelerating progress in fostering trust and cooperation between Indian and Canadian leaders.
This meeting marks a pivotal step towards mending ties, which were damaged in 2023 following the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The accusations made by then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had caused significant strain. The subsequent withdrawal of diplomats by both nations reflected the severity of the situation.
Prior to this meeting, discussions at the G7 Summit helped pave the way. The appointment of new ambassadors by both countries is a sign of a new beginning in dialogue and partnership.