Ajit Doval to Visit Canada, Followed by PM Mark Carney’s India Trip: Will It End Khalistani Threats?

India and Canada are witnessing rapid improvements in bilateral relations, a development that carries significant implications for India’s internal security. Reports indicate that National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is likely to visit Canada next month, followed by a visit to India by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the first week of March.

Strengthening India-Canada Ties
Since Mark Carney assumed office in Canada, the bilateral relationship has markedly improved, particularly in economic, security, and intelligence cooperation. While discussions on trade and broader diplomatic ties continue, security collaboration is emerging as a key focus area for both countries.

According to media reports, NSA Ajit Doval’s visit in February will be linked to enhancing intelligence and security cooperation, building on prior engagements between India and Canada. Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral ties.

Past Engagements Between Doval and Droin
Before Carney’s tenure, India-Canada relations were strained, with diplomatic missions even closing temporarily. In September 2025, Canada’s Security and Intelligence Advisor Nathalie Droin visited Delhi and held detailed discussions with NSA Doval, primarily aimed at restoring bilateral cooperation disrupted after the 2023 assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

Focus on Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime
During prior talks, both nations agreed to build mutual trust and enhance intelligence sharing to combat terrorism and organized crime. The upcoming sequence of visits—first by Doval to Canada, then Carney to India—is expected to further strengthen collaboration on counter-terrorism, organized crime, and regional security issues.

Change in Canada’s Approach Since Carney Took Office
Previously, Canada had become a safe haven for anti-India elements, with Khalistani activism and organized crime posing challenges to Indian security interests. Relations had hit a low point following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s reaction to the Nijjar assassination, which created significant diplomatic tension. Carney’s victory in April 2025 marked a turning point, leading to improved dialogue. A meeting between PM Modi and Carney at the G7 Summit in June 2025 set the stage for renewed discussions on security and intelligence cooperation.

With these high-level exchanges, both nations aim to enhance strategic trust, address security challenges, and counter threats from separatist and organized criminal networks.