Washington, May 25: India and Canada have moved from a period of tension to a notably friendly phase in their relations. This was stated by Dinesh K. Patnaik, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, in an exclusive interview.
Ahead of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Canada, Patnaik remarked, “In the past few months, relations have truly shifted from hostility to friendship. Everything is going well now.” He described this as the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations.
Patnaik noted that Goyal’s upcoming trip will feature the largest delegation yet, with over 100 Indian business leaders visiting Canada. They will engage with Canadian industry organizations, pension funds, banks, logistics companies, and leaders from the Indian-origin community. “A year ago, no one could have imagined that an Indian minister would visit Canada with over 100 representatives,” he added.
The primary aim of Goyal’s visit is to enhance economic cooperation and advance discussions on a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The visit is intended to signal that both nations are ready to elevate their economic and trade relations significantly.
Currently, trade between India and Canada stands at approximately CAD 32 billion (around USD 25 billion), with a goal to double this figure within the next five years. Patnaik expressed optimism that this could reach nearly USD 50 billion by 2030 or 2031.
He emphasized that both governments have resumed cooperation across various sectors, including security, leaving past issues behind. Discussions have taken place between national security advisors, and agencies, police forces, and investigative bodies are now in contact with one another.
Patnaik stated that both countries are working to ensure that Canada is safe for India and vice versa. He mentioned that Canada has begun to view the issue of pro-Khalistan extremism and criminal networks as a domestic concern. “With the help of Canada, especially Prime Minister Trudeau, we have successfully marginalized these elements over the past six to seven months,” he said.
He accused some extremist groups of being more active through “economic activities” rather than ideology, citing issues such as arms trafficking, drug smuggling, human trafficking, extortion, and organized crime. He identified energy, critical minerals, fertilizers, agriculture, artificial intelligence, quantum research, and defense cooperation as key areas for future development.
On immigration policy, Patnaik acknowledged that recent Canadian policies have impacted many Indians but assured that there is no negative sentiment towards India. He explained, “They allowed the immigration system to fall into the hands of those who could misuse it. Now, they are trying to create a system that benefits good migrants while preventing undesirable elements.”
Patnaik reassured Indians, saying, “There is no need for concern. The people here have a good opinion of them.”
India-Canada relations had soured in 2023 when former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of possible involvement in the murder of pro-Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India dismissed these allegations as “absurd” and accused Canada of harboring extremist and anti-India elements.