India and Canada Hold First Defence Dialogue, Prioritise Industrial, Technical and R&D Cooperation

India and Canada have begun a new formal channel for military-level engagement, with officials from both sides meeting virtually on November 3, 2026, for their first-ever Defence Dialogue. The talks were aimed at widening bilateral defence and strategic cooperation and identifying practical areas where the two countries can work together.

Who Led the Dialogue

The meeting was co-chaired by Dr Amit Telang, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, and Scott Millar, Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), Department of National Defence, Canada. The dialogue gave both sides an opportunity to exchange views on defence policy, strategic priorities and possible avenues for collaboration.

According to the information provided, the discussions covered a broad review of opportunities for deeper defence ties. Defence industrial cooperation was highlighted as a major focus area, alongside military-technical cooperation and defence research and development.

Key Areas Discussed

The two delegations also examined their respective approaches to defence and security issues and considered ways to move from broad intent to specific outcomes. They discussed regional and global developments as part of the wider exchange, reflecting an interest in maintaining regular contact on matters of shared concern.

The meeting also focused on identifying concrete deliverables that could help translate the broader commitment into action. Both sides considered proposals intended to advance the partnership in a more structured manner, with emphasis on the priority areas already identified.

Leadership-Level Commitment

The dialogue was linked to the shared commitment expressed at the leadership level to expand defence and strategic engagement between India and Canada. That commitment had been reflected in the Joint Statement issued on March 2, 2026, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The inaugural dialogue now serves as an institutional platform for continued engagement between the two defence establishments. By bringing together officials responsible for defence policy and international cooperation, the mechanism is expected to support regular discussion, identify mutual interests and encourage practical cooperation initiatives.

Both countries agreed to remain in contact and continue working on the proposals discussed during the meeting. The stated objective is to carry the dialogue forward and strengthen India–Canada strategic relations through sustained defence cooperation.