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India’s new High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has said that the growing threat posed by Khalistani groups in Canada is a domestic challenge for Ottawa, not an Indian problem. “The Khalistani issue is not an Indian problem,” Patnaik said. “It is for Canada to fix what is happening inside Canada.” In a forthright interview with CTV’s Question Period, Patnaik dismissed allegations of Indian involvement in criminal or extraterritorial activity as “preposterous and absurd,” while urging Canada to take greater responsibility for its internal security. ‘Canada cannot look at Khalistani issue as an Indian problem’ Speaking to host Vassy Kapelos, Patnaik said that both governments have been discussing “the entire security situation,” including the disruptive influence of Khalistani groups. “What we are talking about now are the different security scenarios that are happening in this country,” he explained. “Security scenarios where there is a group of people who are actually terrorising, keeping the relationship hostage. How do we deal with them? How do we deal with the law-and-order situation?” The envoy made it clear that the issue originates within Canada. “Canada cannot look at this situation as an Indian problem. It’s a Canadian problem. There are Canadians who are creating this problem,” he asserted. Canada security concern Highlighting the tense environment, Patnaik voiced concern over the need for personal protection amid alleged threats from extremist elements. “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,” he said. Patnaik noted that the security dialogue between both nations also covers “the safety of Canadians in India,” underscoring that cooperation on public safety must be mutual. India-Canada diplomatic strain Relations between India and Canada deteriorated sharply after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2023 claim of “credible” Indian links to the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Following the accusation, Ottawa expelled six Indian diplomats — a move mirrored by New Delhi. Canadian authorities later accused Indian officials of engaging in “clandestine activities,” including homicides and extortion. Patnaik reiterated India’s rejection of those charges: “We are still waiting for any evidence to be given. These allegations are preposterous, absurd and unsupported by facts.” He added firmly, “Extraterritorial action by India is never done.” Despite tensions, Patnaik said both sides are working to rebuild trust through renewed security dialogue. In June, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme called talks with Indian officials “good and positive,” while senior security advisers from both countries met in New Delhi last month to address “respective concerns.” Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, when asked whether Indian diplomats’ return posed a risk, declined to comment directly. “We will do what it takes to ensure the safety and security of Canadians,” he said, adding that bilateral relations must be grounded in “trust and accountability.” CTV reported that the RCMP has yet to respond to Patnaik’s remarks that India is still awaiting evidence from Canada. Patnaik’s remarks underline New Delhi’s frustration with being repeatedly implicated in Canada’s domestic challenges. His comments mark a renewed Indian push to frame the Khalistan issue as a question of Canadian governance, even as both countries tentatively reopen diplomatic dialogue.
