New Delhi: India and Canada have taken a major step to restore diplomatic relations after a nearly year-long freeze by appointing new high commissioners to each other’s capitals. The move comes after tensions escalated in 2023 following the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, which had triggered a prolonged diplomatic rift.
India has named Dinesh K. Patnaik, currently serving as Ambassador to Spain, as its new High Commissioner to Canada. Patnaik, a seasoned diplomat, is expected to play a key role in rebuilding trust and strengthening bilateral engagement. Canada, in turn, has appointed veteran diplomat Christopher Cooter as its High Commissioner to India. Cooter has previously served in New Delhi over 25 years ago, bringing decades of diplomatic experience to his new assignment.
The diplomatic strain began after Canadian authorities alleged involvement of Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing near Vancouver. This led to the expulsion of Indian diplomats from Canada and reciprocal measures by India, creating a tense standoff that lasted for ten months.
Efforts to repair the relationship gained momentum in June 2025 when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met at the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. The two leaders agreed on measures to stabilize ties, including the early return of high commissioners, setting the stage for the recent appointments.
Analysts note that the restoration of full diplomatic engagement is critical for both countries, given their extensive economic, educational, and cultural ties, including a significant Sikh diaspora in Canada and a large number of Indian students and professionals abroad. The renewed engagement also comes amid broader global economic challenges, highlighting the importance of stable bilateral relations.
As Dinesh K. Patnaik and Christopher Cooter prepare to assume their roles, both nations are expected to prioritize dialogue, cooperation, and collaboration on shared international issues, signaling a cautious but important thaw in relations.