India, Canada Deepen Cooperation on Security, Defence, and Economy

India and Canada held high-level discussions in New Delhi focused on security, defence, and economic cooperation, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties. The talks occurred during the visit of David Morrison, Senior Diplomatic and International Affairs Advisor to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, to India from October 5 to 7. Morrison was in India at the invitation of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, according to News18 India.

During their meeting, Morrison and Doval reviewed bilateral security and law-enforcement cooperation. Both sides acknowledged the guidance provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during their meetings in New Delhi in March 2026 and on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian in June. They welcomed the sustained and constructive engagement over the past year, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust, respect for each other’s concerns and sensitivities, and continued efforts to bolster bilateral relations.

Economic ties were a key agenda item, with both countries welcoming efforts to advance negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The fifth round of CEPA negotiations began on October 5, with India and Canada working towards finalizing the proposed trade pact by the end of 2026. This agreement is part of a broader initiative to expand economic engagement between the two nations.

The discussions also explored the potential for developing a more substantive bilateral defence relationship, aligning with the vision of their leadership. Defence and security cooperation has become an important aspect of the renewed India-Canada engagement, with both countries having previously agreed to deepen practical military cooperation and institutionalize a defence dialogue.

Security cooperation included agreements to deepen coordination in tackling transnational organized crime, terrorism, and violent extremism. Further discussions covered cooperation against human and drug trafficking, cybercrime, and extortion, alongside issues related to the extradition of criminal offenders. Both sides also committed to exploring additional areas for practical cooperation, including the establishment of structured dialogues on cybersecurity and economic security. These latest discussions are part of New Delhi and Ottawa's ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional engagement across security, trade, and defence, following a period of strained bilateral ties.

Editor's note: The draft effectively integrates all the provided information regarding the high-level talks, including the participants and the specific areas of focus.