Maldives Insight

A delegation representing 21 Canadian universities has intensified engagement with India, aiming to strengthen academic and economic ties. The five-day visit, led by Universities Canada, resulted in the signing of numerous agreements to expand research and educational collaborations, following a path set by Australian institutions that have begun establishing branch campuses in the country.

The mission produced over a dozen Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), encompassing joint research initiatives, dual degree programmes, student exchanges, “two-plus-two” programmes, and short-term immersion opportunities. Specific partnerships included the University of Windsor collaborating with Anant National University on sustainability initiatives, and the University of the Fraser Valley establishing a dual Bachelor of Business Administration degree programme with Panjab University.

Gabriel Miller, President of Universities Canada, stated that the mission places universities “at the heart of international collaboration,” emphasising a focus on deepening partnerships rather than student recruitment. Larissa Bezo, President of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, highlighted that the mission underscored the breadth of Canada-India educational ties beyond student mobility, signaling a strategic approach to position universities as central to the economic and research priorities of both nations.

Strategic Collaborations and Regulatory Environment

Delegates explored opportunities in sectors such as artificial intelligence, energy, agriculture, and critical minerals, leveraging Canada’s research strengths in conjunction with India’s talent pool and scale. India’s established regulatory framework for foreign universities facilitates the operation of autonomous campuses by top-ranked institutions, offering incentives like tax holidays, profit repatriation, and simplified governance. GIFT City in Gujarat has emerged as a particularly attractive location for these ventures.

To date, three international universities have opened campuses in India, with an additional five institutions, including the University of Liverpool and the Illinois Institute of Technology, projected to open by 2026–27. Australian universities have already initiated this process by establishing branch campuses, with Canadian institutions now following suit.

The delegation also engaged with India’s business sector at roundtables hosted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, discussing potential collaborations in innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied research. This visit marks the initial phase in a series of Canadian engagements with India, which is expected to culminate with a visit by Prime Minister Mark Carney in March.