India-Canada Ties Improve as Ottawa Acts on Security

India's top diplomat in Canada says the relationship with Ottawa has turned a corner. High Commissioner Dinesh K. Patnaik told IANS that Canadian authorities are finally addressing New Delhi's long-standing security concerns, especially those linked to Khalistan extremists operating on Canadian soil. Speaking from Washington, Patnaik described how intelligence sharing and operational coordination between the two countries have expanded rapidly. National security advisers have exchanged visits, police forces are in regular contact, and joint operations are underway to dismantle criminal networks involved in arms smuggling, narcotics, and extortion. The envoy acknowledged that pockets of support for hardline Khalistani elements still exist in Canada. However, he said the Canadian government no longer views these issues solely through India's lens; instead, it recognizes them as threats to its own internal security. He credited Prime Minister Mark Carney's direct involvement for helping sideline those trying to protect such networks. Patnaik also explained that many of these groups have evolved into profit-driven criminal enterprises rather than ideological movements. He welcomed Canada's decision to treat violent extremism and organized crime as interconnected problems that must be tackled together. Looking ahead, the diplomat said both countries are now better positioned to manage differences over freedom of expression while focusing on shared security goals. His remarks precede a major trade mission led by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, signaling renewed economic engagement alongside security cooperation.