Calgary ( Rajeev Sharma): In a candid and wide-ranging interaction with the Indian diaspora in Calgary, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K. Patnaik, accompanied by the Consul General of India in Vancouver Masakui Rungsung, met with community members and representatives from more than 20 Indian organizations. The event drew a large audience eager to hear his vision for Indians living in Canada and the future of India-Canada relations.
The gathering was further highlighted by the presence and initiative of JAI HO Canada, described as a platform working to bring all Indian community organizations under one roof to promote unity, coordination, and collective strength across the diaspora.
Senior officials and community stakeholders were also present at the event, including Deputy Police Chief Calgary Asif Rashid, along with other signatories and dignitaries, reflecting broad institutional engagement with the community gathering.
Addressing concerns surrounding BLS services, Patnaik struck a balance between humour and honesty. He encouraged those facing genuine issues to formally lodge complaints rather than relying on rumours or informal criticism. His light-hearted yet practical approach won appreciation from attendees, delivering a clear message: if there is a problem, use the proper channels so that systems can improve through constructive feedback.
He also offered encouraging news for the Indian community regarding Police Clearance Certificates (PCC). Patnaik revealed that discussions are underway with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to simplify and streamline the PCC process, potentially making it easier and faster in the coming days.
Speaking during an interaction with National Times Media Group, the High Commissioner emphasized that unity within the Indian diaspora is a source of strength and collective growth. He stated that India is open to expanding business cooperation with Alberta, recognizing the province’s strategic importance as a global hub for oil and gas.
He further noted that several Indian companies are already engaging with Alberta-based businesses to explore long-term partnerships and high-value deals, aimed at generating mutual economic growth and strengthening bilateral trade relations between the two regions.
During the same interaction, he also acknowledged past initiatives in strengthening Alberta’s energy sector ties, noting that former Premier Jason Kenney played a key role in initiating early trade discussions in the oil and gas sector, which helped lay the groundwork for ongoing economic engagement.
The High Commissioner also congratulated the team of JaiHo Canada, appreciating their initiative to bring all Indian community organizations in Calgary under one unified platform aimed at strengthening community coordination, unity, and collective voice.
Shifting the broader conversation towards economic opportunities, Patnaik urged Indian entrepreneurs, professionals, and community associations to proactively share business ideas and investment opportunities. He emphasized that the Indian mission is ready to support initiatives that generate profits, create jobs, and strengthen economic ties between the two countries. He highlighted that India is aggressively pursuing long-term energy partnerships with Western Canada. With India’s rising energy demand, he indicated strong interest in securing reliable supplies, including uranium from Canadian producers, to support its expanding nuclear energy ambitions. Speaking about trade, he pointed to the successful arrival of Indian mangoes in Canada as a symbolic example of improving commercial relations between the two nations. According to him, the momentum is shifting positively, and the time has come for India and Canada to unlock greater trade potential that benefits businesses and consumers on both sides.
The High Commissioner also appreciated the initiative of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 Summit, describing it as an important step toward rebuilding trust and opening a new chapter in bilateral engagement. He suggested that relations are now moving in a positive direction, creating opportunities for deeper cooperation.
Concluding his remarks, Patnaik called upon Indian business leaders, professionals, and community organizations to come forward with innovative ideas that can drive growth and prosperity for both countries. His message resonated strongly throughout the gathering: the Indian diaspora should not only be a bridge between India and Canada but also a catalyst for stronger partnerships, expanded trade, and shared success. The evening ultimately reflected optimism, practicality, and a renewed sense of purpose signalling that after a challenging period in bilateral relations, both India and Canada may be preparing to turn the page toward a more prosperous future . The success of the show as by all the people who atrented and the Team JAI HO who arrange the wonderful evening and Minesh Patel, Manish Mishra , Rohan & Namrata with Ravi handled everything in the event.
