India, Canada agree on security workplan after NSA-level talks: MEA

India and Canada on Saturday agreed on a joint workplan to enhance cooperation in national security, law enforcement and cybersecurity, following discussions between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Nathalie Drouin, Canada’s Deputy Clerk and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister.

The talks, held on February 7, 2026 were conducted under the framework of the regular bilateral security dialogue between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

Both sides decided that India and Canada would designate security and law-enforcement liaison officers, while relevant agencies would strengthen existing working-level ties. The move is aimed at improving coordination and facilitating timely information exchange on issues of shared concern, including the illegal trafficking of narcotics particularly fentanyl precursors and transnational organised crime.

According to the MEA, the two sides also agreed to move towards formalising cooperation on cybersecurity policy and to step up information sharing on cyber-related threats. Discussions will also continue on collaboration in areas such as fraud and immigration enforcement, in line with domestic legal frameworks and international commitments.

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 clear 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.

With inputs from agencies