India flags Khalistan issue in Canada talks

NEW DELHI: Following the return of high commissioners, India and Canada moved to further normalise ties with efforts to resume high-level exchanges. Canadian NSA Nathalie Drouin and deputy foreign minister David Morrison visited India this week and met National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Thursday.

The Indian side raised concerns over Khalistan extremism and sought assurances on the security of Indian diplomats and missions as both countries work to restore full staffing at their respective embassies.

On Friday, the two sides held pre-foreign office consultations, reaffirming the importance of India-Canada ties rooted in "shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity." They welcomed progress since the June 2025 meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney, including the return of high commissioners.

According to an Indian readout, both countries agreed to reactivate bilateral dialogue mechanisms across trade, defence, energy, civil nuclear cooperation, security and law enforcement, critical minerals, space, science and technology, and agriculture, in line with the leaders' understanding to pursue a "constructive and balanced" partnership. To strengthen people-to-people links and economic opportunities, they decided to address capacity-related issues at missions and consulates, Indian govt said.

Asked whether security concerns were discussed, the external affairs ministry reiterated that it is the host government's responsibility to protect diplomatic establishments. "As and when there is a concern, we take it up with the concerned side, in this case Canada, to ensure adequate security of our premises," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Officials said the Drouin-Doval talks were part of regular bilateral security consultations and a follow-up to discussions between Modi and Carney at the G7 in Alberta.