Angad Singh Dhillon, a 35-year-old diplomat of Indian origin, has been appointed Canada’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant milestone in his career in public service and international relations. Originally from Chandigarh, Dhillon has family roots in Ghungrana village in Punjab’s Ludhiana district, a place he continues to visit despite his demanding responsibilities in Canadian diplomacy.
Dhillon’s appointment as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary places him in the highest category of diplomatic representatives, with responsibility for representing Canada’s interests and strengthening bilateral relations with the UAE.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Dhillon spoke about his enduring connection to Punjab, describing his ancestral village as an important part of his identity. He said that although he serves Canada, his cultural ties remain strong. He also emphasized that his professional loyalties belong to the country he represents.
Dhillon moved to Canada in 2010 to pursue higher education. He completed his schooling at Yadavindra Public School in Mohali before attending Mahindra United World College in Pune. He subsequently earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick.
After graduating, he relocated to Ottawa, Canada’s capital, where he became involved in policy work concerning South Asian and Eastern European communities. His experience in government later expanded to senior advisory positions, including serving as chief of staff to two federal cabinet ministers overseeing small business and transportation.
Before his diplomatic appointment, Dhillon was among Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s close advisers. According to Global Affairs Canada, he contributed to efforts to rebuild and strengthen Canada’s diplomatic engagement with key international partners, including India and China, by supporting high-level communication and cooperation.
His responsibilities also included supporting Canada’s participation in major international forums and diplomatic engagements. These included the Group of Seven (G7), Group of Twenty (G20), United Nations General Assembly, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), International Transport Forum, and the Conference of the Parties (COP).
His experience across domestic policy, international negotiations, and multilateral institutions provides a foundation for his new diplomatic assignment in the UAE.
Despite his professional commitments abroad, Dhillon maintains a close relationship with his ancestral village. He has said that visiting Ghungrana is an essential part of every trip to India, where his family retains its ancestral home and farmland.
During a visit to India in March 2026, coinciding with Carney’s trip to Mumbai, Dhillon also made time to return to his village.
His appointment highlights the international careers of professionals with Indian roots who have taken on senior responsibilities in governments around the world, while maintaining personal connections to their heritage.
