Being Odia and Reaching such a high diplomatic Post like High Commissioner to an important country like Canada Brings recognition to Odisha.Odisha's Chief Minister has Publicly congratulated him on the apointment , expressing that Such appointments reflects the Pride and Glory of Odisha.
Who is Dinesh K. Patnaik
- He is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, 1990-batch.
- He hails from Odisha, making his appointment a matter of pride for the Odia community.
- Educational credentials:
- Bachelor’s degree from Delhi University (1988).
- MBA from Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIM-Kolkata).
- Also holds a Master’s in Advanced International Studies / International Relations from the Vienna Diplomatic Academy / University of Vienna.
- Family: He is married (wife is Poonam, an international educator), and they have two daughters.
Diplomatic Career & Prior Roles
Over ~30+ years in the IFS, Patnaik has held many significant roles. Some highlights:
- Overseas postings: Missions in Beijing, Dhaka, Vienna, Geneva.
- Ambassador roles:
- To Cambodia
- To Morocco
- Deputy High Commissioner in London from about 2016-18 period.
- Roles within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): divisions such as UN, Africa, Western Europe, External Publicity, Passport/Consular/Visa & Overseas Indian Affairs.
- Also served as Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
Appointment as High Commissioner to Canada & Significance
- In August 2025, the Government of India appointed him as the next High Commissioner of India to Canada.
- At that time he was serving as Ambassador of India to Spain.
- This appointment comes at a sensitive moment in India-Canada relations. Ties had deteriorated over allegations made by then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (regarding the killing of a Khalistani separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar), diplomatic expulsions, and withdrawal of envoys.
- His selection is seen as part of a reset or thawing of relations between India and Canada, aiming to rebuild trust and more normal diplomatic engagement.
Why Odia Pride
- Being Odia and reaching such a high diplomatic post like High Commissioner to an important country like Canada brings recognition to Odisha.
- Odisha’s Chief Minister has publicly congratulated him on the appointment, expressing that such appointments reflect the “pride and glory of Odisha.”
Read Patnaik’s post on X/Twitter: x.com/dineshkpatnaik/status/1975393882884956614