India and Canada have agreed to strengthen cooperation against transnational organised crime, terrorism, drug trafficking and the extradition of criminal offenders. The decision came during a meeting between India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, and his Canadian counterpart, David Morrison, amid efforts to improve strained bilateral ties.

Morrison, who serves as senior diplomatic and international affairs advisor to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, visited India from October 5 to 7. Doval and Morrison held the latest round of their security dialogue on Tuesday. The talks have become an important mechanism for addressing security concerns between the two countries.

The two sides reviewed progress in bilateral security and law enforcement cooperation. They also discussed implementing the shared “security work plan” agreed in February 2026. India and Canada said they would deepen coordination against transnational organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism, human and drug trafficking, cybercrime, extortion and the extradition of criminal offenders.

The countries also agreed to explore additional areas of practical cooperation. These could include structured dialogues on cyber security and economic security. Both sides decided to strengthen existing institutional mechanisms and create new channels for “streamlined communication and timely information-sharing on matters of mutual concern”.

Security concerns have played a major role in the deterioration of India-Canada relations since 2023. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in September that Indian government agents were linked to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India rejected the allegation as “absurd”. The dispute sharply affected bilateral relations.

India has consistently raised concerns over the activities of Khalistani elements based in Canada and their links with organised crime. Canada, meanwhile, has highlighted the activities of transnational criminal gangs with links to India.

Security officials from both countries had continued discussions even before Mark Carney became Canadian prime minister. The talks focused on stabilising relations and addressing security concerns. Two rounds of the bilateral security dialogue at the NSA level took place in New Delhi in September 2025 and Ottawa in February 2026.

In their joint statement, India and Canada said they were satisfied with the “sustained and constructive” engagements over the past year. The discussions, they said, were guided by mutual trust, respect for each other’s concerns and sensitivities, and a shared commitment to strengthen bilateral ties.

The two sides also welcomed efforts to advance negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. They discussed the “growing potential for advancing a substantive bilateral defence relationship”. Doval and Morrison also exchanged views on regional and global developments.