According to Universities Canada President and CEO Gabriel Miller, universities play a vital role in building global partnerships that drive growth and shared prosperity for both nations
As Indian students and researchers face growing challenges in pursuing higher education and research opportunities in the United States, Canada is stepping forward with a strong message of partnership. The country is looking to deepen academic ties with India through research collaborations, student exchanges and long-term education models.
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Universities Canada, the national body representing Canadian universities, will lead a high-level delegation of 21 university presidents to India from February 2 to 6
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During the five-day visit, the delegation will hold meetings with leaders from India’s higher education sector, government officials and industry representatives
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The discussions will take place in Goa, New Delhi and Gujarat International Finance Tech-City (GIFT City)
The focus of the mission is to explore new opportunities in joint research, academic exchange programmes and sustainable forms of transnational education that benefit both countries. People familiar with the visit said the aim is to build practical and long-lasting partnerships rather than short-term arrangements.
The visit comes just ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s trip to India in mid-February and reflects renewed momentum in India–Canada relations. Recently, both countries also announced the launch of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signalling a broader push to strengthen economic and strategic ties.
Christopher Cooter, Canada’s High Commissioner to India, described the university mission as a major step in renewing collaboration in research and education under the New Roadmap for Canada–India relations. India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K Patnaik, said the visit marks an important move towards deeper academic cooperation and a forward-looking partnership.
The mission also builds on Canada’s recently announced $1.7-billion research and talent strategy.
