Indian envoy to Canada meets Speaker of House of Commons, discusses parliamentary cooperation
Ottawa, Dec 11
In a bid to boost India-Canada parliamentary ties, Indian High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh K. Patnaik met Canadian Speaker of the House of Commons, Francis Scarpaleggia and discussed shared democratic values along with avenues for future cooperation between the two countries.
India is also set to host a delegation led by Speaker Scarpaleggia during the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments of Commonwealth Countries (CSPOC) slated for January 2026.
"High Commissioner Dinesh K. Patnaik met with the Speaker of the House of Commons Francis Scarpaleggia today to discuss advancing India-Canada parliamentary ties. Productive exchange on shared democratic values and future collaboration. India looks forward to welcoming a delegation led by the Speaker at the 28th CSPOC next month," the Indian High Commission in Ottawa posted on X on Thursday (Indian time).
On Wednesday, Patnaik held a productive meeting with Lena Metlege Diab, Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, where the two sides explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation between India and Canada.
The talks also covered immigration processes, student-related issues, and a deeper understanding of respective systems, with an emphasis on strengthening people-to-people ties.
Last week, the Indian High Commissioner held discussions with Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree on strengthening security and law enforcement cooperation between the two countries.
"Honoured to meet Minister Gary Anandasangaree. Discussed our shared priorities in enhancing security and law enforcement cooperation between India and Canada. We also explored new avenues for collaboration and ways to further strengthen our existing engagement mechanisms," the Indian High Commission in Ottawa quoted Patnaik as saying.
Patnaik also visited the Legislative Assembly of the Canadian Province of British Columbia in a step to boost the bilateral partnership.
According to the Indian High Commission in Ottawa, he met several leaders of British Columbia during the visit, including Raj Chouhan, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests and Sunita Dhir, Parliamentary Secretary.
Patnaik also held discussions with Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation and Jagrup Brar, Minister of State for Mining and Critical Minerals of British Columbia.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see talks on student issues and immigration processes. Many Indian students face challenges in Canada. Hope these discussions lead to smoother, more transparent systems. That's what will truly strengthen ties.
While cooperation is welcome, actions speak louder than words. Canada needs to show consistent respect for India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Security cooperation is key, but it must be a two-way street with no room for ambiguity on terrorism.
As an Indian living in Vancouver, this news is reassuring. The meetings in British Columbia are particularly relevant. Strong provincial ties can lead to great economic opportunities in tech and critical minerals for both nations.
Shared democratic values are a good starting point. But let's be practical. The real test will be in tangible outcomes—easier visas, more secure students, and concrete trade deals. Hoping the 2026 conference yields more than just photo-ops.
It's heartening to see engagement at multiple levels - federal, provincial, on immigration, security, and parliamentary affairs. This holistic approach is needed to mend the relationship. Wishing our diplomats the best. ðŸ™
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.