India and Canada Appoint Envoys, Signaling Thaw in Relations
India and Canada have taken a significant step toward normalizing diplomatic relations by appointing new high commissioners to each other's capitals. Senior diplomat Dinesh K. Patnaik will be India's envoy to Ottawa, while Canada has named Christopher Cooter for New Delhi. This move aims to repair ties that were severely strained following Canadian allegations in 2023 of Indian involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist, which India had strongly denied, leading to a diplomatic freeze.
Unpacked:
The freeze followed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s public allegation that the Indian government was involved in the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, which India strongly denied. This resulted in both countries expelling diplomats and significantly downgrading official relations.
Dinesh K. Patnaik is a senior Indian diplomat with prior experience as ambassador to several countries. Christopher Cooter is a seasoned Canadian diplomat who has held multiple postings, including in conflict zones and as High Commissioner elsewhere. Both are considered experienced in managing complex international relations.
Tensions have been fueled by longstanding disagreements over the Sikh separatist Khalistan movement, which has active supporters in Canada and is seen by India as a threat to its sovereignty. Past incidents, including the Air India bombing and disputes over intelligence cooperation, have also strained ties.
After months of reduced ties, both countries have appointed new high commissioners and expressed intent to revive high-level engagement, resume free trade talks, and cooperate in areas like clean energy and counterterrorism, as highlighted during the 2025 G7 summit.