Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K. Patnaik, has expressed grave concerns regarding the safety of Indians residing in Canada, revealing that he himself is under official protection an arrangement he described as “unusual and unsettling.”
In a recent interview, Patnaik stated that he finds it surprising that a diplomat in a peaceful, developed country like Canada requires guarding. “I find it strange that I am under protection in Canada. My Canadian counterpart in India does not require it. People inquire if Canada is safe for Indians; that is a question that should prompt reflection in all of us,” he said.
Patnaik’s statement reflects the rising apprehension among members of the Indian diaspora, particularly following multiple incidents of vandalism targeting temples and businesses owned by Indo-Canadians. Several such cases have been reported across British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta in recent months, fueling unease within the community.
Community organizations have also expressed frustration with what they describe as inadequate responses to hate related crimes and extremist propaganda circulating both online and offline.
Patnaik, who assumed charge as High Commissioner in September 2025, has emphasized the need for rebuilding trust and cooperation between the two nations while ensuring that the Indian community in Canada feels safe and respected. “This issue transcends politics; it concerns the security and dignity of people who call Canada home,” Patnaik said.
Canadian authorities have reaffirmed that the country remains committed to protecting all communities and upholding public safety. Officials state that law enforcement agencies are working closely with cultural and religious organizations to prevent hate crimes and foster harmony. Indian community leaders across Canada welcomed Patnaik’s remarks, saying they reflect what many have been feeling quietly for months. “It is reassuring that the High Commissioner is speaking openly about the reality we face,” said a Calgary based business owner. “We desire cooperation, not confrontation, between our two nations.”
Analysts note that both countries share deep economic and cultural ties, and restoring trust will be essential. Patnaik’s open acknowledgment of safety concerns has added urgency to the call for stronger community engagement and renewed diplomatic dialogue.
