Canada appoints Cooter as its new High Commissioner to India, signaling a reset in diplomatic ties between Ottawa and New Delhi. The decision comes ten months after both nations expelled each other’s top diplomats, which led to a major diplomatic standoff.
Christopher Cooter is a seasoned diplomat who joined External Affairs and International Trade Canada in 1990. Over his career, he worked in several countries including Kenya, India, Cambodia, Nigeria, South Africa, Turkey, Georgia, and Madagascar. He also held senior positions at NATO and served as ambassador in different regions.
India, on its part, named Dinesh K. Patnaik, the current Ambassador to Spain, as the next High Commissioner to Canada. This exchange of envoys shows a strong intention from both sides to rebuild dialogue.
Tensions between India and Canada rose in 2023 when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India had a role in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The remarks strained bilateral trust and triggered diplomatic retaliation.
With Cooter’s appointment and Patnaik’s new role, both governments are expected to focus on cooperation, trade, and repairing their political relationship.
