Canada extends hand of friendship for talented Indians amid US headwind, ETEducation
Amid headwinds faced by Indians seeking research and higher education opportunities in the USA, Canada is stepping in, proposing research collaborations and academic exchange programmes with Indian institutions.
Universities Canada, which represent Canadian universities, will lead a delegation of 21 university presidents from across Canada to India from February 2 to 6.
Over five days, the delegation 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, people familiar with the visit said.
The mission comes ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit in mid-February.
There is a renewed momentum in bilateral relations and Canada recently announced the launch of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India.
“The visit by Canadian universities presidents is a big step in our renewed collaboration on research and education initiatives, as guided by the New Roadmap for Canada-India relations,” said Christopher Cooter, High Commissioner of Canada to India.
Dinesh K Patnaik, High Commissioner of India to Canada, said the visit “marks an important step in deepening academic cooperation and advancing a forward-looking agenda for enhanced India–Canada collaboration.”
Building on strengthened bilateral ties, increased diplomatic engagement, and a shared commitment to deepening knowledge exchange, the mission will advance research collaboration and expand partnerships with industry, according to diplomatic sources.
The mission builds 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.
“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, diplomatic sources said.
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