In October 2024, India decided to withdraw its High Commissioner to Canada…

Concept

A High Commissioner is the head of a diplomatic mission exchanged between Commonwealth countries. The office-holder for a dated event should be identified from the official mission roster and the government statement announcing the diplomatic action.

This method separates the head of mission from deputy or junior mission officers and from diplomats representing another country.

Application

The High Commission of India in Ottawa listed Sanjay Kumar Verma as High Commissioner in its January 2024 official manning list.

On 14 October 2024, India announced that it had decided to withdraw High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and other targeted diplomats and officials from Canada.

Contrast

• Sanjay Kumar Verma headed the Indian mission in Canada during the event described.

• Arun Bahuguna was listed as Second Secretary (Political-II) and PPS at the Indian High Commission in Ottawa.

• Ajay Sharma is a British diplomat who has held United Kingdom diplomatic appointments, including High Commissioner to Malaysia.

• Chinmoy Naik served as Deputy High Commissioner in Ottawa and later as Acting High Commissioner.

Cross-check

The official roster and the October 2024 withdrawal announcement independently identify the same office-holder, while the other mission names carry different designations.

Result

Therefore, the High Commissioner whom India decided to withdraw was Sanjay Kumar Verma.