After Tensions, India Now Has An Ambassador In Ottawa

Photo:MS Anne-Marie Brisson/India High Commission

India-West News Desk

OTTAWA – Dinesh K. Patnaik has officially assumed his role as India’s High Commissioner to Canada, presenting his credentials on September 25 to Governor General Mary Simon at a ceremony at Rideau Hall, here.

Patnaik was among six new envoys who presented their credentials at the event, marking the formal start of his tenure in Ottawa. His arrival comes on the heels of several high-level visits by Canadian officials to India, underlining the importance of repairing the bilateral relationship.

A seasoned diplomat from Odisha, Patnaik joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1990. He has previously served as Ambassador of India to Spain and to Cambodia, and has held senior roles in the Ministry of External Affairs.

Patnaik holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, a Master’s degree in Advanced International Studies from the University of Vienna, and a certificate in International Studies from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. He is married to Poonam Patnaik, and the couple have two daughters.

Officials in New Delhi and Ottawa expressed optimism that his appointment will help move the relationship forward after the two nations expelled diplomats over tensions on Indian security agencies involvement on Canadian soil to deal with Khalistani extremists.