India and Canada are actively exploring a substantive bilateral defence relationship and have agreed to deepen cooperation on terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, and extortion, as the two nations press ahead with rebuilding ties after years of diplomatic strain. The development follows high-level security talks held in New Delhi on 7 October 2026.

Key Developments from the Doval-Morrison Talks

David Morrison, Senior Diplomatic and International Affairs Adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, met National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in New Delhi during a three-day visit from 5 to 7 October, which concluded on Wednesday. The meeting formed part of the ongoing India-Canada security dialogue at the level of national security advisers.

According to a Canadian government readout issued Wednesday, the two sides 'discussed the growing potential for advancing a substantive bilateral defence relationship in keeping with the vision of the leadership.' Both officials reviewed progress in bilateral security and law enforcement cooperation, including implementation of a Security Work Plan formalised in February.

Areas of Agreed Cooperation

The two sides agreed to deepen collaboration across a range of transnational threats, including terrorism and violent extremism, human and drug trafficking, cybercrime and extortion, and the extradition of criminal offenders. Structured dialogues on cybersecurity and economic security are also being considered, the readout noted.

Both governments agreed to strengthen existing institutional mechanisms and establish new communication channels where needed for the timely sharing of information on issues of mutual concern. This signals a move beyond ad hoc coordination toward a more formalised security architecture between the two countries.

Diplomatic Context: Rebuilding After Tensions

The talks represent a significant expansion of bilateral engagement beyond trade and investment. India-Canada relations had been severely strained following Ottawa's allegations in 2023 linking Indian agents to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil — allegations New Delhi firmly denied. The relationship has been on a careful recovery track since.

Notably, both officials referenced guidance provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PM Carney during their bilateral meeting in New Delhi in March and subsequently on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian in June. The Canadian government described the engagements over the past year as 'sustained and constructive,' guided by mutual trust and respect for each other's priorities.

CEPA Negotiations Moving in Parallel

The security dialogue is advancing in tandem with an economic push. Morrison and Doval welcomed efforts to advance negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Canada. The fifth round of CEPA negotiations is currently under way, with both governments aiming to conclude an agreement by the end of 2026. The convergence of security and trade tracks underscores how comprehensively both sides are seeking to reset the bilateral relationship.

With high-level political endorsement, structured security dialogues in the pipeline, and CEPA talks accelerating, the India-Canada relationship appears set for a more institutionalised phase in the months ahead.