India, Canada Reset Relations as Goyal Leads Record Trade Mission

Ottawa and New Delhi have put recent strains behind them and are rebuilding trust across multiple fronts, Canada’s Indian High Commissioner said. In a wide-ranging interview, Dinesh K. Patnaik described the current mood as “very friendly,” pointing to revived intelligence sharing and renewed business dialogue. The shift is timed with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s upcoming visit, which will include over 100 Indian CEOs—the biggest such group ever. Their agenda includes talks with Canadian industry bodies, banks and pension funds, aiming to double two-way trade from its present 25 billion dollars to 50 billion dollars within five to six years. Patnaik said the proposed economic partnership agreement will be a key focus, alongside cooperation in critical minerals, AI and defence. Security agencies have re-established direct links, and Ottawa now views Khalistani militancy as an internal law-and-order matter. The High Commissioner credited Canadian Prime Minister Carney’s backing for recent progress in curbing extremist financing and trafficking networks. While new immigration rules have inconvenienced some Indian nationals, Patnaik insisted public sentiment toward Indians remains positive. He urged students and skilled workers to stay confident about opportunities in Canada. The remarks mark a clear departure from the diplomatic chill that followed 2023 allegations over the Nijjar killing.