Ottawa, ON – Diplomatic relations between Canada and India took an important step forward today as India’s new High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, officially presented his credentials to Governor General Mary Simon at Rideau Hall. The ceremony comes at a time when both countries are signaling a willingness to rebuild trust and chart a more constructive path forward after years of strained relations.
Patnaik’s appointment follows a series of high-level visits and exchanges between Canadian and Indian officials aimed at re-establishing dialogue and cooperation. The Asia Pacific Foundation’s Vina Nadjibulla observed that signals from New Delhi suggest a genuine interest in repairing the relationship, though she noted that rebuilding mutual trust and addressing national security concerns will take time. Governor General Simon, reflecting on her own diplomatic experience, reminded those present that while the tools of diplomacy may evolve, its essence remains the same: building and repairing bridges through dialogue.
Relations between the two countries have been tense since 2023, when former prime minister Justin Trudeau told Parliament that Canada had “credible evidence” linking New Delhi to the assassination of a Sikh activist near Vancouver. The following year, the RCMP said it uncovered strong links between senior levels of the Indian government and acts of intimidation against Canadian Sikhs advocating for Khalistan. Both governments expelled diplomats, with India stripping protections from dozens of Canadian officials.
Recently, however, signs of a thaw have emerged. Prime Minister Mark Carney invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 Summit in Alberta earlier this year, and deputy minister of Global Affairs David Morrison visited New Delhi this month for pre-foreign office consultations, marking the reactivation of long-dormant dialogue mechanisms. National security advisor Nathalie Drouin also met with her Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on September 18, where both sides agreed to structured cooperation on law enforcement and security issues, including commitments to non-interference and mutual respect for sovereignty.
Both Ottawa and New Delhi have now pledged to reactivate discussions in key areas such as trade, defence, civil nuclear cooperation, critical minerals, agriculture, and technology. Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said Canada remains in the early stages of identifying opportunities and challenges but expressed optimism that meaningful economic opportunities could emerge from the renewed engagement.
The swearing-in of High Commissioner Patnaik symbolizes a constructive shift in tone and a willingness by both governments to restore stability in the bilateral relationship. As Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi prepare for future meetings, officials on both sides emphasize that this moment represents not just a reopening of dialogue, but a chance to redefine Canada–India relations on the basis of respect, sovereignty, and cooperation.