India-Canada Security Cooperation

Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations

Context

• National Security Adviser of India Ajit Doval held high-level talks with Canadian officials in Ottawa to strengthen security cooperation, streamline information sharing and rebuild institutional links after nearly two years of diplomatic strain.

Background

• In 2023, Canada alleged the involvement of Indian officials in the killing of a Canadian citizen linked to Khalistan extremism.
  • India rejected the allegations as absurd and politically motivated leading to diplomatic expulsions, suspension of trade negotiations, and deterioration of bilateral engagement.
• The current dialogue signals a calibrated effort to restore functional cooperation, particularly in security and law enforcement domains.

Key Outcomes of the Dialogue

• Work Plan on National Security: Both countries agreed on a structured work plan to guide cooperation on national security and law enforcement.
• Appointment of Liaison Officers: India and Canada will post security and law-enforcement liaison officers in each other’s countries to streamline bilateral communication and facilitate real-time information sharing. The focus areas include;
  • Illegal drug trafficking, especially fentanyl precursors.
  • Transnational organised criminal networks.
  • Extremist financing and document fraud.
• Addressing Extremism and Diaspora Issues: Discussions covered extremist fundraising, intimidation, and propaganda linked to organised crime networks.
• Cybersecurity Cooperation: Both sides agreed to formalise cooperation on cybersecurity policy. Also mechanisms for information sharing on cyber threats will be institutionalised.

Brief on India-Canada Relations

• Historical Relations: India and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1947.
  • Shared democratic values and Commonwealth membership have underpinned ties.
  • Relations were historically strained after India’s nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998, due to Canada’s non-proliferation stance.
• Economic Cooperation: In 2024 (January – August), total bilateral trade in goods amounted to USD 8.55 billion (India’s exports: USD 5.22 billion and India’s imports: USD 3.33 billion).
  • Negotiations continue on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA).
• Civil Nuclear Cooperation: Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) signed in 2010, operational since 2013.
  • A Joint Committee oversees implementation of the 2010 Agreement on “Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy”.
• Space Cooperation: MoUs signed in 1996 and 2003 between ISRO and Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
  • Cooperation includes satellite tracking, space astronomy, and commercial satellite launches.
  • ISRO’s commercial arm ANTRIX has launched multiple Canadian nanosatellites.
• Science and Technology: Department of Earth Science and Polar Canada have started a programme for exchange of knowledge and scientific research on Cold Climate (Arctic) Studies.
  • A Memorandum of Cooperation between National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and POLAR Canada was signed in 2020. 
• People-to-People Links: There are around 1.8 million Indo-Canadians and one million non-resident Indians in Canada, making up over 3% of its population.
  • India is the largest source of international students in Canada, with Indians making up around 40% of that group.
  • Strong cultural exchanges and vibrant diaspora influence bilateral perceptions.
• Multilateral Cooperation: Both countries cooperate in forums like the G20, Commonwealth, United Nations, and International Solar Alliance.

Way Ahead

• India–Canada relations have strong foundations and significant potential, especially in trade, education, and clean energy. However, bilateral ties remain fragile, with political and security concerns acting as key irritants. 
• The future of the relationship depends on how both countries manage these differences while leveraging shared interests.

Source: TH