National Times Bureau (Rajeev Sharma): India has formalized a critical diplomatic reset by appointing veteran IFS officer Dinesh K. Patnaik as its High Commissioner to Canada on August 28, 2025, a move that many hope signals the beginning of a revival for strained India-Canada relations. Patnaik is expected to assume his post in Ottawa imminently.
A 1990-batch Indian Foreign Service diplomat, Patnaik has reinforced his credentials over a long and distinguished career. He has held foreign postings in Geneva, Dhaka, Beijing, and Vienna, and served as Ambassador to Cambodia and Morocco, Deputy High Commissioner in London, and Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Most recently, he has been Ambassador to Spain since December 2021.
While serving in Spain, Patnaik’s tenure was marked by strong performance: trade relations between India and Spain saw significant increase, and he promoted renewable energy collaboration, cultural diplomacy, and defense cooperation earning praise for blending economic, soft-power, and strategic diplomacy.
Relations between India and Canada worsened after then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged, in September 2023, that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist in Canada. India strongly denied the allegations. In October 2024, India withdrew its then High Commissioner and senior diplomats from Ottawa as the diplomatic fallout intensified.
The appointment of Patnaik comes against the backdrop of Canada’s new leadership. Mark Carney’s arrival as Prime Minister earlier in 2025 has opened a possibility of resetting relations, and both sides including at a meeting during the G7 Summit in June agreed to restore full diplomatic representation.
Many in New Delhi see Patnaik as more than just a replacement envoy: he is now India’s hope that dialogue, trust, and cooperation can be restored. His strong record in Spain suggests he has the experience and diplomatic skill needed. Key issues his mission will likely address include reinstating visa and consular services, engaging with the Indian diaspora in Canada, security cooperation, and trade & cultural exchanges.
