India and Canada Launch Inaugural Defence Dialogue to Boost Cooperation

On November 3, 2026, India and Canada convened their inaugural Defence Dialogue, a significant milestone aimed at strengthening bilateral defence ties. The virtual meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Amit Telang, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) from India's Ministry of Defence, and Mr. Scott Millar, Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy) from Canada’s Department of National Defence. This dialogue provided a platform for both nations to exchange views on their respective defence policies and strategic outlooks, marking a pivotal moment in their defence relationship.

The discussions highlighted the importance of defence industrial cooperation, military-technical collaboration, and defence research and development as priority areas for future engagement. This focus aligns with the broader strategic goals outlined in the Joint Statement issued earlier this year by [Prime Minister](/prime-minister-celebrates-crpfs-historic-zero-casualties-achievement) [Narendra Modi](/topic/narendra-modi) and Prime Minister Mark Carney, which emphasized the need for enhanced defence and strategic engagement between the two countries.

During the dialogue, both sides identified several key areas for collaboration. Defence industrial cooperation emerged as a crucial topic, reflecting the growing recognition of the need for joint ventures and partnerships in defence manufacturing. This cooperation is expected to bolster both nations' capabilities and foster innovation in defence technologies.

Military-technical cooperation was also a significant focus, with discussions revolving around sharing best practices, training, and operational strategies. The dialogue underscored the potential for joint exercises and training programs that could enhance interoperability between the armed forces of India and Canada.

Furthermore, defence research and development were identified as essential components for future collaboration. Both countries expressed their commitment to exploring avenues for joint research initiatives that could lead to advancements in defence technologies and capabilities.

The dialogue reaffirmed the commitment of both nations' leadership to expand defence and strategic engagement. The Joint Statement issued on March 2, 2026, serves as a foundation for this commitment, outlining a shared vision for a robust defence partnership. The dialogue emphasized the importance of maintaining regular communication to ensure that the discussions translate into actionable outcomes.

Dr. Amit Telang highlighted the significance of this dialogue, stating, "This inaugural Defence Dialogue is a testament to the growing partnership between India and Canada. We are committed to exploring new avenues for collaboration that will enhance our defence capabilities and contribute to regional stability."

In response, Mr. Scott Millar remarked, "Canada values its relationship with India and sees immense potential for collaboration in the defence sector. This dialogue is just the beginning of a deeper engagement that will benefit both our nations."

The dialogue also provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss regional and global security challenges. The exchange of perspectives on issues such as terrorism, cyber threats, and geopolitical tensions underscored the need for a coordinated approach to address these challenges.

Both nations acknowledged the importance of working together to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The dialogue emphasized the need for a collective response to emerging security threats, reinforcing the idea that collaboration is essential in today’s complex security environment.

As the dialogue concluded, both sides agreed to remain in touch to advance the discussions and proposals for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. Specific deliverables were discussed, including potential joint exercises, collaborative research projects, and the establishment of a framework for ongoing dialogue.

The commitment to follow up on these discussions reflects a proactive approach to strengthening the defence partnership. Both nations are expected to outline a roadmap for future engagements, ensuring that the momentum generated by this inaugural dialogue is sustained.

The inaugural Defence Dialogue between India and Canada marks a significant step towards a more robust and collaborative defence partnership. As both nations navigate the complexities of the global security landscape, their commitment to enhancing cooperation will play a crucial role in addressing shared challenges and promoting stability in the region.