Current Affairs - Awards and Honours - Discussion

Dinesh K Patnaik, a 1990-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, has been appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Canada, signaling a diplomatic reset between the two nations. The appointment comes after strained ties in 2023 following allegations related to the Nijjar controversy. Patnaik’s experience as Ambassador to Spain, Cambodia, and Morocco, along with his roles in the UK and ICCR, positions him to handle sensitive negotiations effectively. His parallel appointment alongside Christopher Cooter as Canada’s envoy to India reflects a joint effort to normalise relations, restore diplomatic channels, and revitalise cooperation in trade, education, and migration.