New Delhi: India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has said that the Khalistan-related problem in Canada is not India’s responsibility but a domestic challenge for Ottawa to address. Speaking in a televised interview, Patnaik emphasised that it is Canadians themselves who are creating and enabling this issue, and the government must treat it as a law-and-order matter within its borders.
Patnaik stated that India should not be blamed for the rise of pro-Khalistan extremism in Canada, noting that New Delhi has repeatedly voiced concerns about such groups. He added that the situation requires strong action from Canadian authorities rather than externalising the problem.
The envoy also revealed that he has been placed under protection following threats from extremist elements, describing it as unusual for a diplomat to need security in a country like Canada. “It’s strange that a high commissioner has to live under protection here,” he said, underlining the seriousness of the threat.
Patnaik noted that both nations are currently engaged in security cooperation discussions, covering issues like the safety of Canadians in India and the operations of transnational criminal groups, including the Lawrence Bishnoi network active in both countries. According to him, law enforcement agencies such as the NIA and the RCMP are maintaining regular contact, and national security advisers from both sides have met to strengthen coordination.
He credited Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney for helping normalise relations between the two countries, saying his leadership accelerated the ongoing reconciliation process. While noting that bilateral improvement was bound to happen eventually, Patnaik said Carney’s approach has helped rebuild diplomatic trust.
Rejecting former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Patnaik called the claims baseless and lacking evidence. He stressed the need for dialogue over accusations, remarking that India and Canada share democratic values, freedom of the press, and the rule of law principles too strong to be undermined by misunderstandings.
Although relations are gradually improving, Patnaik acknowledged that India does not yet consider Canada a fully reliable partner. He added that while trust is being rebuilt, both sides must ensure political issues do not hinder trade and economic cooperation.
