NEW DELHI, Feb 8— To dismantle transnational criminal networks, India and Canada have formalised an agreement to station law-enforcement liaison officers within each other’s borders. The decision aims to fast-track the exchange of critical intelligence regarding the illicit drug trade and organized crime, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The breakthrough followed high-level deliberations on February 7 between National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Nathalie Drouin, Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister. Both officials established a shared workplan designed to synchronize bilateral cooperation on national security and law enforcement, ensuring practical collaboration on the specific security priorities of both nations.
“It was agreed that each country would establish security and law-enforcement liaison officers,” the MEA noted, adding that the respective agencies would now focus on strengthening existing working relationships.
The deployment of these officers is expected to streamline communication channels, particularly in addressing the movement of fentanyl precursors. Beyond narcotics, the partnership will address broader threats from global criminal syndicates. The MEA mentioned that the two countries are also moving toward formalising cooperation on cybersecurity policies and enhancing information sharing to combat digital threats.
Discussions during the visit further touched upon immigration enforcement and fraud prevention. NSA Doval also held talks with Gary Anandasangaree, Canada’s Minister for Public Safety, as part of the ongoing bilateral security dialogue focused on the safety of citizens in both jurisdictions.
