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Canada's University Presidents Head to India to Forge New Research & Education Ties

A high-level delegation of 21 Canadian university presidents is visiting India from February 2 to 6 to strengthen bilateral education and research partnerships. The mission aims to expand industry links and explore sustainable models for transnational education, building on a new diplomatic roadmap. It follows a massive 770% increase in Indian students studying in Canada between 2015 and 2023. The visit is supported by both governments, highlighting education as a cornerstone for renewed long-term collaboration between the two countries.

Key Points: Canada University Delegation Visits India to Boost Research Partnerships

  • Mission aims to advance research & industry partnerships
  • Builds on $1.7B Canadian research strategy
  • Part of renewed Canada-India diplomatic roadmap
  • Delegation to meet Indian education, govt & industry leaders
  • Indian student numbers in Canada grew 770% (2015-2023)
2 min read

Canada University delegation to visit India from Feb 2 to advance research collaborations and partnerships

A delegation of 21 Canadian university presidents is visiting India to advance research collaboration, academic exchange, and strengthen bilateral education ties.

"The visit by Canadian University presidents is a big step in our renewed collaboration on research and education initiatives. - Christopher Cooter"

Ottawa, January 22

Universities Canada will lead a nationwide delegation of Canadian Universities to India from February 2 to 6, following the Government of Canada's recent announcement highlighting renewed momentum in Canada-India relations and the launch of negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

The mission will advance research collaboration and expand industry partnerships, and build on the $1.7-billion research and talent strategy recently announced in Canada's federal budget and advances the New Roadmap for Canada-India relations announced in October 2025, reflecting growing momentum toward a renewed partnership between the two countries.

Over five days, a diverse delegation of 21 university presidents from across Canada will meet with leaders from India's higher education sector, government and industry in Goa, New Delhi and Gujarat International Finance Tech-City (GIFT City) to explore opportunities for research collaboration, academic exchange and sustainable models of transnational education.

"Canada and India have a long history of collaboration in the education sector," said Christopher Cooter, High Commissioner of Canada to the Republic of India. "The visit by Canadian University presidents is a big step in our renewed collaboration on research and education initiatives, as guided by the New Roadmap for Canada-India relations."

The mission underscores the importance both countries place on higher education as a foundation for deeper collaboration and long-term partnership.

"Education is a cornerstone of the India-Canada partnership, strengthening people-to-people ties and advancing collaboration in research, innovation, and sustainable development," said Dinesh K Patnaik, High Commissioner of India to Canada. "The visit of Canadian University Presidents marks an important step in deepening academic cooperation and advancing a forward-looking agenda for enhanced India-Canada collaboration."

Against this backdrop of renewed bilateral engagement, Universities Canada highlighted how universities translate shared priorities into meaningful collaboration.

"Universities are essential to building the global partnerships that create economic growth and opportunity," said Gabriel Miller, president and CEO of Universities Canada. "As Canada and India renew their vitally important relationship, this mission reflects and advances our commitment to create lasting, shared success for both of our countries."

Supported by a contribution from CanExport Associations, the University Presidents' mission to India advances the collective work of government, universities and partners to strengthen international collaboration in ways that benefit communities and economies in both countries.

Indian students have traditionally moved to Canada for higher studies. Between 2015 and 2023, the number of Indian students in Canada grew from 31,920 to 278,005, a staggering 770% increase, according to IRCC data.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a parent whose child is studying in Canada, I welcome this. But I hope the focus isn't just on taking more Indian students and their fees. The collaboration should be two-way - more Canadian students coming to India, joint research published from Indian institutes, and technology transfer. The partnership must be equal.
R
Rohit P
GIFT City is a smart choice for meetings. If they are serious about partnerships, establishing satellite campuses or collaborative degrees in the IFSC could be a game-changer for finance and tech education in India. Let's see if this delegation brings concrete MOUs or just another "exploratory" visit.
S
Sarah B
The 770% increase in students is mind-boggling. While opportunities are great, I hope our own universities also benefit from this. Can we get Canadian expertise to help improve our public university systems and faculty development programs? That would be a true partnership.
V
Vikram M
Good step. But Canada needs to ensure the safety and dignity of our students there. The news of exploitation by some employers and high cost of living is worrying. Any educational partnership must have strong student welfare components. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
Focus on sustainable development and climate tech research would be perfect. India and Canada can lead in green energy solutions. Hope the meetings in Gujarat lead to something substantial in solar and wind power innovation. Our IITs have brilliant minds ready to collaborate.

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