Diplomatic Thaw After Long Freeze
India and Canada have named new high commissioners, signaling a renewed effort to restore strained diplomatic ties. The appointments follow a period of tension triggered by the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Vancouver, which had sparked mutual expulsions of top diplomats.
Canada has appointed Christopher Cooter as its envoy to Delhi, while India named Dinesh K Patnaik, currently ambassador to Spain, as its representative in Canada. These appointments mark a crucial step in the “step-by-step approach” to deepening bilateral engagement, according to Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand.
Background of the Diplomatic Rift
Ties between India and Canada soured in 2023 when Ottawa expelled six Indian diplomats, alleging their involvement in Nijjar’s killing. Delhi responded by expelling six Canadian diplomats, including the acting high commissioner. This mutual expulsion represented an unprecedented low in an otherwise cordial relationship between the two nations.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated a terrorist by India in 2020, was shot outside a Sikh temple in Vancouver in June 2023. Canada’s then-prime minister, Justin Trudeau, cited “credible allegations” linking Indian agents to the murder, while India dismissed the claims as “absurd and motivated.” The incident amplified longstanding tensions over Canada’s handling of pro-Khalistan groups.
Steps Toward Reconciliation
In June 2025, the first high-level meeting between PM Modi and Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, resulted in an agreement to reinstate senior diplomats. This development signaled a thaw in relations and opened the door for normalized diplomatic engagement.
Canada emphasized that Mr. Cooter’s appointment reflects a careful, stepwise approach to rebuilding trust and engagement with India. Similarly, India’s foreign ministry confirmed that Mr. Patnaik is “expected to take up the assignment shortly,” marking the resumption of official diplomatic channels.
Ongoing Concerns and Diaspora Dynamics
Despite these positive steps, India continues to criticize Canada for tolerating pro-Khalistan activity, arguing Ottawa has monitored these groups for years. Canada hosts roughly 770,000 Sikhs, making it home to the largest Sikh diaspora outside Punjab.
Observers note that while the appointments signify progress, both nations must continue careful diplomacy to resolve lingering disagreements over security, extremism, and diaspora politics.
The return of senior diplomats provides a platform for India and Canada to rebuild trust, strengthen trade, and address community concerns. Both nations now have an opportunity to restore relations after more than a year of heightened tensions.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for the latest updates on India-Canada diplomacy.
