Indian envoy visits British Columbia Legislative Assembly, holds talks on energy, investment
Ottawa, Dec 4 — The Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K. Patnaik, paid a visit to the British Columbia Legislative Assembly in an effort to strengthen ties between the two sides.
During his trip, the High Commissioner met with several provincial leaders, including Raj Chouhan, the Assembly’s Speaker; Ravi Parmar, the Minister of Forests; and Sunita Dhir, Parliamentary Secretary. He also spoke with Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, as well as Jagrup Brar, Minister of State for Mining and Critical Minerals.
Their discussions focused on boosting mutual investment in mining, critical minerals, and energy, and on expanding collaboration in quantum technologies, life sciences, and gold exports between India and Canada.
A statement released by the Indian High Commission on Wednesday noted that Patnaik, accompanied by his wife Poonam, made the first visit by an Indian High Commissioner to Treaty 7 land. The historic trip on Nov. 24 marked a new phase in building relationships between Canada’s Indigenous Nations and India.
The Commission said the meeting examined shared histories, cultures, and heritage, while also looking at future opportunities for partnership between Canada’s Indigenous peoples and communities across India. “The High Commissioner conveyed the deep respect and affection that people in India have for Indigenous Nations,” the statement added. “He recalled that the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, was deeply moved by the hospitality and cultural richness of Treaty 7 peoples during his meeting with Indigenous Chiefs in Kananaskis in June 2025.”
Patnaik reiterated India’s keen interest in forging sustainable, long‑term ties with Indigenous communities in Canada. He encouraged the possibility of a Treaty 7 delegation visiting India and, in return, a reciprocal Indian delegation visiting Treaty 7, which could open paths for cultural exchange, trade, and knowledge sharing.
The High Commissioner emphasized that his visit aimed to forge lasting connections between Canada’s Indigenous Nations and the Indian people, and assured that the Indian mission will remain fully committed to supporting and assisting indigenous communities in Canada.
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