New Delhi: In a major step towards mending strained diplomatic relations, India and Canada have reached a significant agreement to share intelligence related to terrorism, transnational crime, and extremist activities. The move comes nearly two years after ties soured following former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s public accusations regarding India’s alleged involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar — claims that New Delhi has consistently denied.
According to a report by Bloomberg, which cited unnamed officials familiar with the matter, the new information-sharing pact involves both countries’ law enforcement agencies and is aimed at tackling cross-border criminal syndicates and extremist networks. While the agreement is reportedly finalized in principle, specific details are still being negotiated, and it remains unclear whether a public announcement will be made during the upcoming G7 Summit, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited by Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney.
For Canada, the agreement is expected to also focus on probing extra-judicial killings, the report added — a likely reference to the Nijjar controversy. Indian officials have not commented on this aspect, but sources suggest that the framework will be built to ensure transparency and enhanced cooperation at the highest levels of law enforcement and intelligence.
The renewed dialogue marks a reset in India-Canada relations. It began with Modi congratulating Carney on his election victory and continued with ongoing diplomatic communication between the two nations. The proposed intelligence-sharing deal will initially involve police-level coordination but may expand to include other national security agencies as trust and cooperation deepen.
Despite lingering tensions over the Nijjar case, Carney extended an invitation to PM Modi to attend the G7 Summit chaired by Canada, signaling a willingness to engage. Canadian officials have stressed India’s crucial role at the summit, particularly in discussions related to global security, energy, and economic resilience.
Commenting on the potential meeting, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The forthcoming meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit will offer an important opportunity to exchange views on bilateral and global issues.”
The relationship between India and Canada hit rock bottom following Trudeau’s allegations in 2023, with New Delhi accusing Ottawa of ignoring concerns related to the Khalistan movement and failing to curb anti-India activities on Canadian soil. The new deal suggests a mutual understanding to move beyond past disputes and collaborate on shared security concerns — a step that could pave the way for a more stable and cooperative future.
