Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi reach to shake hands as Carney officially welcomes him to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, June 17, 2025.
Canada and India have officially restored diplomatic relations by appointing new high commissioners after months of tension. The move comes 10 months after both nations expelled each other’s envoys following a major dispute over an alleged assassination.
New Envoys Announced
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed the appointment of Christopher Cooter as Canada’s new High Commissioner to India. India, in response, announced that Dinesh Patnaik, its current envoy to Spain, will soon be posted in Ottawa.
Both governments see this as a step toward resetting ties and moving past a difficult chapter in their diplomatic relationship.
What Sparked the Diplomatic Rift
Relations soured in June 2023 when Canadian authorities accused New Delhi of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh activist. Nijjar, 45, was shot dead in his truck outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.
He was an Indian-born Canadian citizen who ran a plumbing business and served as a community leader. Nijjar was also linked to the Khalistan movement, a campaign seeking a separate Sikh homeland.
Canada claimed Indian diplomats shared intelligence about Canadians with organized crime groups, contributing to violent incidents. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called it a violation of Canada’s sovereignty.
India dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
A Diplomatic Thaw
The breakthrough came in June this year when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the G7 summit in Alberta. Both leaders agreed to restore high-level diplomatic presence, paving the way for the latest appointments.
The move signals a cautious effort to improve cooperation after nearly a year of strained ties.
Wider International Concerns
Canada is not the only country that has raised alarms. The U.S. Justice Department also charged an Indian official last year over an alleged plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader in New York.
These incidents intensified scrutiny of India’s overseas activities, particularly targeting Sikh activists abroad. India, however, maintains that Canada harbors extremists sympathetic to the banned Khalistan movement.
The Sikh diaspora makes up about 2% of Canada’s population, giving the issue significant political weight.
Christopher Cooter’s Role
Cooter, a career diplomat with 35 years of experience, will now navigate this delicate relationship. His past postings include assignments in Israel, South Africa, and India, where he worked 25 years ago.
Observers say his extensive experience in sensitive regions may help in balancing the strained partnership between Ottawa and New Delhi.
Looking Ahead
Both governments hope the return of envoys will create space for dialogue and cooperation. While trust remains fragile, the appointments reflect a shared willingness to engage rather than isolate.
The road to rebuilding relations will likely remain challenging, but re-establishing diplomatic representation marks a critical first step.
