Canada and India deepen education collaboration with new talent and innovation strategy
News release
February 28, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, celebrated the launch of the new Canada-India Talent and Innovation Strategy, including the signing of 13 new partnerships, during her visit to Mumbai, India.
Launched today by Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada, this strategy represents over twenty of Canada’s top institutions, deepens cooperation with India and strengthens the people-to-people ties that continue to anchor the bilateral relationship. India is central to Canada’s Indo‑Pacific Strategy, and education and research partnerships with that country create innovation ties and long‑term cooperation.
Minister Anand welcomed the new strategy, which will facilitate research, student exchanges, hybrid campuses, and AI centres of excellence between Canada and India. We have vast human capital, with students and faculty already deeply connected on cutting-edge research. This agreement will reinforce collaboration through opportunities for students and researchers, drive economic growth and deepen the strong people-to-people ties that connect our two countries.
The strategy is based on four key pillars: embedding Canadian capability in India’s priority sectors, translating knowledge and talent into economic outcome, rebalancing and deepening the talent relationship and demonstrating credibility through speed and delivery.
During a recent visit to India, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the University of Waterloo and India-based Tata Consultancy Services. This reflected the broad trend toward deepening academic and commercial ties between the two countries, accelerating skills development and business expansion between Canada and India.
Quick facts
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Canada and India share more than 75 years of diplomatic relations and deep people-to-people ties.
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Canada’s academic and research institutions remain highly attractive to Indian students and partners. Opportunities exist to expand joint research, vocational training and innovation partnerships in priority fields, such as health, clean technology and digital technologies.
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India is a key partner as Canada strengthens its economic links to the Indo-Pacific under a comprehensive strategy for the region.
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The new strategy is on the heels of a February 2026 visit more than 20 Canadian university presidents to India for a historic first —Canada’s largest academic delegation ever to the country, symbolizing a new era of deepened partnership and long‑term commitment between our two nations.
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Launched in 2022, Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy commits to advancing five strategic objectives: from security and trade to sustainability, people-to-people ties and regional engagement. It reflects Canada's commitment to inclusive growth and partnerships that create shared prosperity with Indo-Pacific economies.
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