India, Canada Name New Envoys in Step Toward Thawing Ties

NEW DELHI: Marking a key step in mending strained relations, India and Canada on Thursday announced the appointment of new high commissioners in each other’s capitals. The move follows the understanding reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney in June to take “calibrated and constructive” measures to stabilise bilateral ties.

India has named Dinesh Patnaik, currently ambassador to Spain, as its next high commissioner to Ottawa. Canada, in turn, appointed seasoned diplomat Christopher Cooter as high commissioner to New Delhi. Cooter, with 35 years in service, previously served in India between 1998 and 2000, besides stints in Israel, South Africa and several African nations.

Rebuilding After a Diplomatic Crisis

Relations plunged last year after the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, which Ottawa blamed on Indian authorities. India rejected the allegations as unsubstantiated and accused then-PM Justin Trudeau’s government of failing to provide security for Indian diplomats amid “extremism and violence.” Both sides expelled diplomats, with high commissioner Sanjay Verma among those withdrawn from Ottawa.

The Modi-Carney meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Alberta set the stage for a reset, with both leaders committing to shared democratic values, respect for sovereignty, and stronger economic ties. Official sources said New Delhi will continue to press Ottawa to act against Khalistan separatists operating from Canadian soil.

Trade and People-to-People Links in Focus

Canada described the new appointments as “an important step” toward restoring full diplomatic services for citizens and businesses. Foreign minister Anita Anand said the move reflects Canada’s “step-by-step approach to deepening engagement” with India and advancing bilateral cooperation.

In line with the June understanding, both countries are also considering resuming negotiations on the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA), which could pave the way for a broader Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).