Raytheon awarded $71 million in Navy contracts for missile systems
Investing.com -- Canada has appointed Christopher Cooter as its new High Commissioner to India, filling a position that had been vacant since October when both countries expelled each other’s top diplomats.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand made the announcement Thursday, describing it as "an important step towards restoring necessary diplomatic services to citizens and businesses in both countries."
The appointment follows through on an agreement between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and India’s Narendra Modi at the G7 Summit in June to appoint new top diplomats.
India has also named Dinesh Patnaik, currently ambassador to Spain, as its new high commissioner to Canada, according to the Indian external affairs ministry.
Cooter brings 35 years of diplomatic experience to the role, having previously served as Canada’s Chargé d’affaires to Israel and High Commissioner to South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Mauritius and Madagascar. He also worked as First Secretary in the Canadian High Commission to India, Nepal and Bhutan in New Delhi from 1998 to 2000.
The diplomatic appointments represent a major step in easing tensions between the two countries that escalated after Canadian officials accused the Indian government of involvement in murders and extortions on Canadian soil.
Minister Anand stated the appointment reflects "Canada’s step-by-step approach to deepening diplomatic engagement and advancing bilateral cooperation with India."
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.