Indian Envoy Expresses Safety Concerns for Nationals in Canada Amid Rising Deportations

India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K Patnaik, has voiced significant concerns regarding the safety of Indian citizens residing in Canada, noting an unusual need for security. His remarks come amid a notable increase in the number of Indians being asked to leave the country.

In a recent interview, Patnaik stated that Indian nationals in Canada do not feel safe and find it unusual that a high commissioner, like himself, requires security in the country. He emphasized that Canada should view the situation not as an Indian issue, but as a Canadian one, as certain Canadians are contributing to the problem.

Patnaik also commented on security challenges, suggesting that when groups terrorize and hold relationships hostage, it creates a difficult law-and-order situation that needs to be addressed.

“Indians are not feeling safe in Canada. The High Commissioner of Canada in India doesn’t need protection. But the Indian envoy in Canada needs protection!” says Ambassador Dinesh Patnaik pic.twitter.com/GNc8X2Qr4J

— Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) October 20, 2025

These remarks come in the wake of a significant increase in the number of Indian nationals being removed from Canada. In 2024 alone, 1,997 Indians faced forced removals, a substantial rise from the 625 cases reported in 2019. Data from the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) indicates that by July 2025, 1,891 Indians had been asked to leave, suggesting the total for this year could exceed the previous year’s figures.

Canada’s current approach appears to be intensifying its anti-immigration efforts, mirroring actions seen in the United States. Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced plans to expedite the deportation process for foreign criminals as part of broader immigration system reforms.

Indians lead the country-wise list for ‘removals in progress’ with 6,837 cases, followed by Mexicans and US citizens. Indians also constitute the largest group of asylum seekers in the country.

On a diplomatic note, Patnaik acknowledged Prime Minister Mark Carney’s substantial role in normalizing India-Canada relations, suggesting that such significant bilateral ties cannot be severed indefinitely. He also addressed the diplomatic strain following allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of Hardeep Nijjar, stating that relationships are shaped by an entire ecosystem, not just one individual.

In a move towards easing tensions, India and Canada appointed Dinesh Patnaik and Christopher Cooter as their respective high commissioners in August, signaling a step towards restoring diplomatic normalcy.