India and Canada Deepen Security Cooperation, Focus on Terrorism, Crime and Extradition
India and Canada have taken another step towards strengthening bilateral security cooperation, with both sides agreeing to deepen coordination against transnational organised crime, terrorism, violent extremism, trafficking, cybercrime and extortion. Extradition of criminal offenders has also emerged as an important area of cooperation as New Delhi and Ottawa work to improve communication between their security and law-enforcement agencies.
The understanding was reached during the latest India-Canada Security Dialogue in New Delhi between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and David Morrison, Senior Diplomatic and International Affairs Adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Morrison visited India from October 5 to 7, with the meeting forming part of the ongoing NSA-level security dialogue between the two countries.
Focus on Transnational Crime and Terrorism
The latest discussions placed strong emphasis on threats that operate across national borders. India and Canada agreed to strengthen cooperation against organised crime, terrorism and violent extremism, human and drug trafficking, cybercrime and extortion, while also improving coordination on the extradition of criminal offenders.
The two countries reviewed progress under their shared Security Work Plan, which was formalised in February 2026. They also agreed to strengthen existing institutional mechanisms and consider additional channels for faster communication and timely information-sharing on security matters of mutual concern.
For India, closer cooperation in these areas is particularly important because of concerns surrounding the intersection of organised criminal networks, terrorism and extremist activities operating across borders. Canada, meanwhile, has an interest in working with Indian agencies on criminal networks and other transnational threats affecting both countries.
Extradition Becomes an Important Priority
Extradition cooperation is expected to become an increasingly significant component of the bilateral security relationship. Criminal networks can exploit international borders to evade investigation and prosecution, making cooperation between law-enforcement agencies essential.
By improving information-sharing and institutional coordination, India and Canada can make it easier for authorities to pursue individuals wanted for serious crimes and strengthen legal cooperation in cases involving offenders located in the other country. The latest dialogue specifically identified extradition of criminal offenders as one of the areas where closer coordination is required.
Cybersecurity and Economic Security Gain Attention
The discussions also moved beyond conventional security concerns. India and Canada agreed to explore additional practical cooperation, including the possibility of structured dialogues on cybersecurity and economic security.
The emphasis on cybersecurity reflects the changing nature of security threats, with cybercrime, digital extortion and attacks on critical systems becoming increasingly international in character. Greater institutional cooperation could help both countries respond more effectively to emerging threats while protecting sensitive information and economic interests.
A Broader Improvement in Bilateral Relations
The renewed security engagement is taking place as India and Canada work to stabilise and broaden their overall relationship. The two countries have maintained a series of high-level discussions over the past year, including NSA-level security dialogues in New Delhi in September 2025 and Ottawa in February 2026. The latest meeting indicated that both sides see sustained institutional engagement as important for addressing sensitive issues.
The September 2026 Foreign Office Consultations also reflected this broader engagement. India and Canada reviewed cooperation in security and defence, energy, critical minerals, science and technology, education, culture and consular matters. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening institutional dialogue and advancing bilateral cooperation.
Economic and Defence Ties Add a Wider Dimension
Security cooperation is developing alongside efforts to expand economic relations. India and Canada are negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, with both sides aiming to conclude negotiations by the end of 2026. Canada has said the two countries share an objective of increasing bilateral trade to CAD 70 billion annually by 2030. Two-way goods and services trade stood at CAD 30.4 billion in 2025.
Defence cooperation is another area with growing potential. During the latest security dialogue, the two sides discussed the possibility of advancing a more substantive bilateral defence relationship. This could add another strategic dimension to the broader partnership as India and Canada seek to expand cooperation across security, technology, trade and critical economic sectors.
The MGMM Outlook
The renewed India-Canada security dialogue marks an important step towards strengthening practical cooperation between the two countries. The focus on terrorism, transnational organised crime, violent extremism, trafficking, cybercrime, extortion and extradition reflects the growing need for coordinated action against threats that cross national borders. Improved information-sharing and stronger institutional mechanisms can help both sides respond more efficiently to security challenges and support efforts to bring wanted offenders to justice.
The broader engagement also shows the potential for India-Canada relations to expand across multiple areas, including security, defence, trade, critical minerals, energy, science and technology. With both countries continuing high-level discussions and working towards stronger economic ties, sustained institutional dialogue can create a more stable foundation for cooperation. Greater coordination on cybersecurity and economic security, alongside closer law-enforcement cooperation, could further strengthen the bilateral partnership and help address emerging challenges through practical and timely collaboration.
(Sources: The Hindu BusinessLine, Hindustan Times, DD India)
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