Title: Canada and India Strengthen Law Enforcement Collaboration

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced that Indian law enforcement officials are working closely with Canada. This collaboration comes as the two nations seek to improve their relationship following serious allegations linking Indian agents to an extrajudicial killing on Canadian soil.

In an interview on _Rosemary Barton Live_, which airs Sunday morning, Anand stated that Canadian representatives were in India this week to facilitate ongoing law enforcement discussions. When asked about the collaboration, she confirmed, "yes."

Anand emphasized a methodical approach to the diplomatic relationship, saying, "I will also say that we put on the table the step-by-step approach. We will have a conversation when I'm in India about what are the next steps in the diplomatic relationship."

Her remarks align with those of National Security and Intelligence Adviser Nathalie Drouin, who was part of the Canadian delegation in India. Drouin noted that Canada received a commitment from Indian officials to enhance cooperation with Canadian police regarding the investigation into the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

In a recent press scrum, Drouin stated, "[India] realized that, and the same on our side, by sharing information we will have safer streets in Canada." She added that both countries have found common ground to address mutual concerns and discuss trade relations.

The relationship between Canada and India has been strained in recent months. Tensions escalated when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in Nijjar's killing. Trudeau claimed that Canada's national security agencies had credible reasons to believe that "agents of the Indian government" were responsible for the act.

Trudeau described any foreign government involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil as "an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty." Following these allegations, both countries withdrew their high commissioners and reduced consular and trade services in a reciprocal protest.

The current government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, is working to restore diplomatic ties. Recently, India's new High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, officially began his role after presenting his credentials to Governor General Mary Simons.

Both nations have also indicated a desire to reinstate visa services, and India has reported that trade discussions with Canada have resumed. However, Canada has clarified that it has not yet engaged in negotiations for a free trade agreement.

On Thursday, Drouin mentioned that the Indian government expects Canada to respect its "One India" policy and the integrity of its territory. When asked if Canada would reaffirm this policy, Anand responded, "we're concerned with what is best for Canada." She noted that the dialogue is ongoing and that progress has been made in understanding each other's perspectives while prioritizing Canadian interests.

Last week, meetings between Canadian officials and Indian representatives were seen as a positive step toward resuming trade talks. An Indian government statement indicated that both sides agreed to reactivate bilateral dialogue on various topics, including trade, defense, energy, and security.

However, the Canadian government emphasized that while trade was discussed, it has not yet held talks regarding a free trade agreement. Global Affairs Canada reiterated its commitment to supporting and enhancing the established commercial trade ties between the two countries.

As Canada navigates its future relationship with India, Anand stated that the approach will be cautious and systematic.