Washington, Feb 14: India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has declared that bilateral relations between New Delhi and Ottawa are not just recovering but surging ahead with renewed vigor. In an exclusive interview with Financial Post, Patnaik expressed optimism about kickstarting negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) within weeks, potentially wrapping it up swiftly.
‘Our relationship is in excellent shape right now. Considering the past two years, this is as good as it gets,’ Patnaik stated, highlighting the pivotal meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney during the G7 Summit in Kananaskis. This encounter marked a turning point, bolstering ties significantly.
Patnaik pointed to the reinstatement of high commissioners and a flurry of ministerial visits across foreign affairs, trade, energy, alongside parliamentary and regional delegations. ‘We’ve had numerous meetings to make up for lost time,’ he noted. Discussions spanned national security, law enforcement, mining, energy, education, and artificial intelligence.
Emphasizing the robustness of the recovery, Patnaik anticipates a high-level Canadian visit soon that will seal the progress. On CEPA, he dismissed complexities, recalling the G20 Summit directive from both PMs to initiate talks. With Canada’s Parliament notified 90 days in advance, negotiations could begin by late February or early March.
India’s economic prowess has strengthened, now the world’s fourth-largest economy poised to claim the third spot. Recent trade pacts with EFTA, the European Union, US, UK, Australia, and UAE showcase India’s proactive stance. ‘We’ve moved forward on issues we once stalled over,’ Patnaik affirmed.
Shared democratic values, rule of law, press freedom, and market-driven economies align India and Canada on global forums like the UN, G7, and G20. CEPA aims to streamline trade and investment, fostering parliamentary exchanges and people-to-people contacts.
Despite recent hiccups, trade volumes rose, financial institutions thrived, and academic collaborations in universities, student programs, research, and innovation remained uninterrupted. Long-standing bonds in education, business, and the Indian diaspora in Canada—home to a large Indian-origin population—have weathered security-related tensions. Both governments are now steadfast in stabilizing and fortifying these ties.