In a significant step toward normalising their relationship, India and Canada have announced the appointment of new high commissioners in each other's capitals, following an ugly diplomatic spat that had soured bilateral ties. The move comes after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the side-lines of the G7 summit in Alberta in June, where they agreed to take calibrated and constructive steps to stabilise the relationship.
India announced the appointment of senior diplomat Dinesh Patnaik as the new high commissioner to Canada. Patnaik, currently India's ambassador to Spain, is expected to take up his new role shortly. Shortly after, Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand announced the appointment of veteran diplomat Christopher Cooter, who has prior experience of serving in India, as the new high commissioner to India.
The appointments are seen as a move to restore necessary diplomatic services for citizens and businesses in both countries. In a statement, Anand said Cooter's appointment is an important development towards restoring services for Canadians while strengthening the bilateral relationship to support Canada's economy. The two nations are also considering talks for an Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA), which could pave the way for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The diplomatic rift began over the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, with Ottawa blaming the Indian government. India has always maintained that the Canadian government failed to provide any evidence to support its claims. India had withdrawn diplomats after accusing Canadian authorities of failing to ensure their security, while Canada had expelled some Indian diplomats, accusing them of running a campaign of violence. Despite the past tensions, both sides have now committed to rebuilding the relationship based on shared democratic values and mutual respect.