National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s recent visit to Canada has significantly weakened Pakistan’s ISI-backed efforts to revive the Khalistan movement in Punjab, marking a turning point in India–Canada security cooperation. The high-level engagement signalled a reset in bilateral ties after years of strain during Justin Trudeau’s tenure, when Ottawa was widely seen as tolerant of pro-Khalistan activities.

Doval held crucial talks with Nathalie Drouin, Canada’s Deputy Clerk and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister. Officials described the meeting as one of the most constructive in recent years, with both sides agreeing to deepen real-time intelligence sharing on terrorism, narcotics trafficking, cyber threats, and extremist networks linked to Khalistan.

Indian security agencies believe Canada has long served as the main operational hub for Khalistani groups, which have used the country to fundraise, coordinate attacks, and issue threats against India. Many key masterminds behind targeted killings in Punjab are believed to be based there, operating through drug cartels and covert funding channels disguised as charities and religious institutions.

A major outcome of the talks was Canada’s willingness to treat Khalistan-linked activities as terrorism and organised crime rather than free speech. This shift marks a sharp departure from past policies and is expected to severely restrict extremist networks operating from Canadian soil.

Intelligence inputs indicate that the ISI had been preparing to infiltrate trained operatives into Punjab while expanding narcotics trafficking to finance militancy. There were also attempts to spread propaganda through posters and online campaigns aimed at radicalising youth. Officials say enhanced India–Canada cooperation will disrupt these plans.

With Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expected to visit India in March, the Doval-Drouin dialogue has laid the groundwork for stronger counterterror cooperation. While Indian agencies remain vigilant against potential retaliatory violence, they view this development as a decisive setback for Khalistani and ISI-backed operations.