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India, Canada to Deploy Liaison Officers for Enhanced Security Coordination

India and Canada have agreed to post security and law-enforcement liaison officers in each other's countries to improve coordination and information flow. The decision was confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs following a meeting between the National Security Advisors of both nations. The officers are intended to facilitate cooperation on issues like drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl precursors, and transnational organized crime. While both sides have agreed to the move, there is currently no set timeline for when the liaison officers will be appointed.

Key Points: India-Canada Agree on Security Liaison Officers

  • Enhanced security collaboration
  • Streamlined information sharing
  • Focus on crimes and drugs
  • No fixed timeline for appointment
  • Part of regular bilateral dialogue
3 min read

India, Canada agree to establish liaison officers for better information flow on security: MEA

India and Canada agree to establish security liaison officers for better information flow on crimes and drugs, following NSA-level talks.

"Both countries have agreed to establish a liaison officer so that we can have a clear and smoother flow of information, better coordination on matters of security such as crimes and drugs - Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson"

New Delhi, February 12

India and Canada have agreed to establish liaison officers in each other's countries to facilitate a more streamlined flow of information, particularly in dealing with security-related issues related to crimes and drugs, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.

Responding to a question by ANI regarding National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval's recent visit to Ottawa, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a weekly media briefing, said that the NSA met his Canadian counterpart as part of ongoing collaboration on security matters between the two nations.

"NSA met his counterpart as part of ongoing collaboration and cooperation that we have on security matters. This is part of our regular dialogue that we have. Both countries have agreed to establish a liaison officer so that we can have a clear and smoother flow of information, better coordination on matters of security such as crimes and drugs," Jaiswal said.

However, Jaiswal noted that there is no set timeline for appointing the liaison officers.

"Both countries have agreed that there will be liaison officers on both sides. As to when it is going to happen, I don't have a time framework in mind with me at this point in time. We will let you know once we have any update on that," he added.

The MEA's remark comes a day after India and Canada agreed to establish security and law-enforcement liaison officers during a meeting with NSA Ajit Doval and Nathalie Drouin, Deputy Clerk and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada, as part of the former's visit to Ottawa.

According to a MEA release, at a meeting on Saturday as part of the NSA's two-day visit to the country, both sides agreed to build on their working relationship.

As per the statement, the establishment of liaison officers is expected to streamline bilateral communications and facilitate timely information sharing on issues of mutual concern, including the illegal flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl precursors, and transnational organised criminal networks.

"During the meeting, it was agreed that each country would establish security and law-enforcement liaison officers and that their respective agencies would build on working relationships," the statement stated.

These were part of the regular bilateral security dialogue between India and Canada, during which the two sides acknowledged progress on initiatives to ensure the safety and security of their citizens and agreed on a shared work plan to guide cooperation on national security and law enforcement priorities.

During the discussions, both countries also committed to formalising cooperation on cybersecurity policy and information sharing on cybersecurity issues and agreed to continue collaboration on matters related to fraud and immigration enforcement, consistent with domestic laws and international obligations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see diplomacy working. The focus on fentanyl precursors is crucial - that's a global menace. Let's hope this leads to concrete action and not just another bureaucratic layer. The "no set timeline" part is a bit worrying though.
R
Rohit P
Finally some sense prevails. The Khalistani extremism issue in Canada was a major sore point. Having liaison officers on the ground should help in real-time intelligence sharing and prevent misuse of Canadian soil for anti-India activities. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As an Indian student in Vancouver, this is reassuring. Better coordination on immigration fraud and student safety is much needed. Hope this partnership is implemented effectively and not just on paper.
V
Vikram M
While the intent is good, I'm cautiously optimistic. We've had agreements before. The proof will be in the execution. Canada needs to show genuine commitment to tackling security threats that originate from its territory. Actions speak louder than MOUs.
K
Kavya N
Cybersecurity cooperation is the silent winner here. In today's digital age, sharing threat intelligence is as important as physical policing. This can protect our businesses and critical infrastructure. A timely move!

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