Overview

• India named Dinesh K. Patnaik, currently ambassador to Spain, as its next high commissioner to Canada, with New Delhi saying he will take up the assignment shortly.
• Canada appointed veteran diplomat Christopher Cooter as high commissioner to India, calling the move an important step toward restoring services for citizens and businesses.
• Both capitals had left the posts vacant for about 10 months after expulsions and withdrawals tied to Canada’s 2023 allegations about the Nijjar killing, which India denies.
• The announcements follow a June meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Mark Carney at the G7, where both agreed on the early return of envoys and a step-by-step reset.
• Officials and analysts expect gradual normalization, with potential resumption of paused trade and security dialogues as unresolved issues over diaspora-linked extremism and criminal networks are addressed.