Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has designated a new representative to India, over 10 months following allegations from security officials against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration for engaging in espionage and violence, causing a rupture in diplomatic relations.
In an announcement on Thursday, Anand revealed that veteran diplomat Christopher Cooter will assume the role of high commissioner for Canada to India, a position equivalent to an ambassador in Commonwealth nations. Anand stated that this appointment is a significant step towards reinstating services for Canadians and enhancing the bilateral relationship to bolster Canada’s economy.
Cooter’s background indicates that he most recently served as Canada’s chargé d’affaires to Israel and as Canada’s high commissioner to South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Mauritius, and Madagascar. He had a previous assignment in New Delhi from 1998 to 2000.
Simultaneously, India named Dinesh K. Patnaik as its next high commissioner to Canada. Patnaik, also an experienced diplomat, currently holds the position of India’s ambassador to Spain. New Delhi announced that he is expected to assume his duties in Canada shortly.
Last fall, both countries expelled senior diplomats after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) accused the Indian government of involvement in a network of violence in Canada, which included homicides and extortion. Canada alleged that Indian diplomats were gathering information about Canadians and sharing it with organized crime elements to target Canadians.
The RCMP’s press conference over the Thanksgiving weekend followed former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement in the House of Commons, linking Indian agents to the 2023 murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. These revelations led to a series of expulsions, with Canada declaring the expulsion of six Indian diplomats and consular staff, while India withdrew its then-envoy, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and expelled Canada’s high commissioner and six diplomats in response.
Although India has refuted the Canadian accusations, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration has actively sought to mend ties with India, highlighting its expanding economy, role in supply chains, and the significant number of Canadians connected to the country. Both nations have committed to restoring visa services.
Despite efforts to improve relations, criticism has arisen. The Sikh Federation of Canada, in a statement on Thursday, expressed concerns about the renewed ties with India, citing a lack of accountability on India’s part following two years of hostility and violence in Canada. The Federation contended that the renewed relationship risks undermining trust in Canadian institutions and prioritizing commercial and geopolitical interests over justice.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service’s annual report in June reiterated concerns about India’s ongoing foreign interference. The report emphasized the need for continued vigilance against foreign interference by the Indian government within various communities and Canada’s political system.
