India and Canada, two nations with deep historical ties and robust economic connections, have found themselves at the center of a diplomatic storm in recent weeks. At the heart of the controversy are allegations—leveled by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and echoed by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau—linking Indian diplomats to homicides and extortion activities within Canada. The claims have cast a shadow over bilateral relations, raising questions about security, sovereignty, and the future of cooperation between the two countries.
On October 20, 2025, Dinesh Patnaik, India’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Canada, broke his silence in a candid interview reported by CTV News and Devdiscourse. Patnaik categorically dismissed the allegations, stating, “I find it strange that a high commissioner here has to be under protection. I’m under protection. I should not be under protection in a country like this.” His words, both direct and tinged with frustration, highlight the tension that has gripped the diplomatic community in Ottawa.
Patnaik’s remarks come at a time when renewed conversations between India and Canada have zeroed in on security concerns, with a particular focus on the Sikh separatist movement—an issue that has long been a point of contention between the two governments. “What we are talking about now are the different security scenarios that is happening in this country,” Patnaik explained during his interview. “Security scenarios where there is a group of people who are actually terrorizing, keeping the relationship under hostage. How do we deal with them? How do we deal with the law-and-order situation?”
The roots of the current diplomatic friction stretch back decades, but tensions have flared anew in recent years. India has consistently condemned the pro-Khalistan movement, which advocates for the creation of an independent Sikh state carved out of India’s Punjab region. Indian officials have repeatedly criticized Canada for what they perceive as a lack of action against Sikh separatist groups operating within Canadian borders. For New Delhi, the Khalistan issue is not just a matter of domestic security but a core concern that shapes its foreign policy priorities.
Canada, however, has pushed back against these allegations. In 2023, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the claims head-on, stating, “They are wrong. Canada has always taken extremely seriously violence and threats of violence. We have always taken serious action against terrorism, and we always will.” Trudeau’s response underscored Ottawa’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and rejecting any suggestion of complicity or leniency regarding extremist activities.
Despite the heated rhetoric and mutual suspicions, both sides have shown a willingness to keep lines of communication open. Earlier this week, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand traveled to India for high-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The outcome of their meeting was a joint statement reaffirming a shared commitment to cooperation in areas such as trade and artificial intelligence. This diplomatic gesture, while modest, signals an intent to look beyond the immediate crisis and focus on long-term collaboration.
“The entire security situation” remains a focal point of bilateral dialogue, Patnaik noted, emphasizing that both nations have much to gain from working together to address common threats. He pointed to the presence of groups in Canada that, according to Indian officials, are “terrorizing” communities and complicating law-and-order efforts. For India, the challenge lies in convincing its Canadian counterparts of the seriousness of these threats and the need for coordinated action.
The Canadian government, for its part, maintains that it does not tolerate violence or extremism of any kind. Officials in Ottawa have reiterated their commitment to investigating any credible threats and upholding the rights and safety of all communities within Canada’s borders. Yet, the perception gap between the two countries remains stubbornly wide, with each side interpreting events through the lens of its own national interests and security concerns.
Patnaik’s personal experience as a diplomat under protection in Canada adds a human dimension to the story. His sense of unease, as he described to CTV News, is a stark reminder that diplomatic tensions are not just abstract policy disputes—they have real-world consequences for individuals on the ground. “I should not be under protection in a country like this,” he said, voicing a sentiment that resonates with many in the Indian diplomatic community.
Observers note that the current impasse reflects broader challenges in the India-Canada relationship. While economic ties have flourished in recent years—driven by trade, investment, and the growing Indian diaspora in Canada—political and security issues have often threatened to derail progress. The Sikh separatist movement, in particular, remains a flashpoint, with both countries struggling to find common ground on how to address its implications for domestic and international security.
The recent meeting between Anand and Modi offers a glimmer of hope that cooler heads may ultimately prevail. By focusing on areas of mutual interest—such as trade and cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence—India and Canada can build a foundation for renewed trust and cooperation. However, as Patnaik’s comments make clear, the underlying security concerns cannot be swept under the rug. Both nations will need to engage in honest, transparent dialogue if they are to overcome the current crisis and chart a path forward.
For now, the world is watching as India and Canada navigate these choppy diplomatic waters. The stakes are high: not only for the two countries involved but for the broader international community, which has a vested interest in seeing democratic allies resolve their differences peacefully and constructively. As the story continues to unfold, one thing is certain—meaningful progress will require patience, pragmatism, and a willingness to confront difficult truths head-on.
With both sides reaffirming their commitment to cooperation and dialogue, the next chapter in the India-Canada relationship remains unwritten. Whether the current tensions give way to a new era of partnership or deepen into lasting mistrust will depend on the actions and choices of leaders in Ottawa and New Delhi in the weeks and months ahead.