Toronto | 22 January 2026

A high-level delegation of leaders from 21 major Canadian universities will visit India in February as part of efforts to deepen academic and research cooperation between the two countries. The announcement was made by Universities Canada, the national body representing Canadian higher education institutions. The delegation will include presidents from some of Canada’s top universities such as the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Alberta and the University of Waterloo.

According to Universities Canada, the visit aims to build on improving bilateral relations and growing diplomatic engagement between India and Canada. “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,” the organisation said in its release.

Canada’s High Commissioner to India, Christopher Cooter, described the visit as a key milestone in renewing cooperation between the two nations. “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,” he said. He referred to the roadmap agreed upon during Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand’s visit to India in October, when she met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The delegation will arrive in India on February 2 for a five-day visit. During their stay, members will meet representatives from India’s higher education sector, government and industry in Goa, New Delhi and Gujarat International Finance Tech-City (GIFT City). The discussions will focus on “to explore opportunities for research collaboration, academic exchange and sustainable models of transnational education”.

Welcoming the initiative, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, said, “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.” Universities Canada President and CEO Gabriel Miller also highlighted the broader significance of the mission, stating, “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.” The organisation noted that the visit underlines the importance both nations place on higher education as a foundation for long-term partnership.

Top Canadian University Heads to Visit India in February to Boost Academic Ties

A delegation of leaders from 21 major Canadian universities will travel to India in February to strengthen cooperation in higher education and research. The announcement was made by Universities Canada, which said the group will include presidents from leading institutions such as the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Alberta and the University of Waterloo.

Universities Canada said the visit builds on improving relations between the two countries. “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,” the organisation said in a release.

Canada’s High Commissioner to India, Christopher Cooter, described the visit as an important step forward. “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,” he said, referring to the renewed vision agreed upon during recent high-level meetings between the two countries.

The delegation will arrive in India on February 2 for a five-day visit and will meet leaders from education, government and industry in Goa, New Delhi and GIFT City. Welcoming the move, India’s High Commissioner to Canada Dinesh Patnaik said, “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.”