India has designated Dinesh K Patnaik, a seasoned diplomat, as its next High Commissioner to Canada. Patnaik, who is a 1990-batch IFS officer, is currently serving as India’s Ambassador to Spain. He is expected to begin his new assignment in Canada in the near future. This move signifies the ongoing efforts by New Delhi and Ottawa to normalize diplomatic relations, which were disrupted approximately nine months ago. India withdrew its High Commissioner and other senior diplomats due to increasing tensions. Recent reports indicate that both countries are working to reinstate High Commissioners in their respective countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, discussed the significance of their bilateral relations during a meeting at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, and committed to stabilizing their relationship. The downturn in diplomatic relations began last year when then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made allegations of Indian involvement in the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. These allegations were strongly rejected by India. In response, India recalled several diplomats and expelled Canadian diplomats. The recent meeting between Modi and Carney at the G7 Summit highlighted the willingness of both nations to strengthen their ties.
