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India Jun 19, 2025

Dinesh K Patnaik appointed as India's new envoy to Canada

India has picked seasoned diplomat Dinesh K Patnaik as its new High Commissioner to Canada, hoping to patch things up after a period of tense relations.
Patnaik, who's currently Ambassador to Spain, will take on this key role as both countries look to reset ties following recent talks between their leaders.

TL;DR

Why this appointment matters

This move matters because India and Canada have had a rocky relationship lately—mainly over concerns about extremism and security.
Sending a trusted diplomat signals both sides want to get back on track.

Patnaik's diplomatic journey

Patnaik is a 1990 batch Indian Foreign Service officer with over three decades of experience.
He's handled tricky assignments in places like Geneva, Dhaka, Beijing, Vienna, and London (where he managed Khalistan-related issues).
He's also served as Ambassador in Cambodia, Morocco, and Spain.

Who is the next ambassador to Spain?

Jayant Khobragade will step in as the next Ambassador to Spain.
Currently posted with ASEAN, Khobragade brings plenty of diplomatic experience from stints in Russia, Pakistan, Central Asia—and now Madrid.