- Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi meets Canadian officials to discuss university partnerships, student mobility, research collaboration and the entry of Canadian universities into India under NEP 2020.
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi meets Canadian High Commissioner Christopher Cooter and Trade Commissioner Amy Antonini to discuss strengthening cooperation between India and Canada in higher education, research and innovation. The meeting focuses on revitalising academic ties, expanding research partnerships and creating more opportunities for students and researchers in both countries.
The discussions also address the implementation of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) announced during engagements between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Joshi highlights the importance of translating these agreements into practical collaboration between educational institutions and research organisations.
A key focus of the meeting is expanding university partnerships and facilitating student mobility. Closer academic engagement could provide opportunities for student exchanges, collaborative programmes and greater interaction between faculty members and researchers. Both countries also reaffirm their commitment to strengthening academic collaboration and developing partnerships that support research and innovation.
The discussions come amid renewed efforts to deepen bilateral relations across education, science, technology and talent development. In February 2026, representatives from 24 Canadian universities meet Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to explore research collaborations and the possibility of establishing international campuses in India.
The meeting also addresses ways to facilitate the entry of Canadian universities into India under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The policy framework supports international academic collaboration and provides opportunities for eligible foreign higher education institutions to establish campuses in India, subject to applicable regulations.
Greater institutional participation could strengthen knowledge exchange, broaden access to international academic experiences and encourage joint research initiatives. Collaboration between universities, research institutions and industry could also help translate scientific advances into practical applications.
India and Canada seek to build stronger links between their academic and research ecosystems. Expanded cooperation could support joint projects, knowledge sharing and innovation-led growth while creating new opportunities for students and researchers.
The meeting between Joshi and Canadian officials adds to ongoing bilateral engagement aimed at revitalising education ties. The focus on implementing existing agreements, strengthening university partnerships and improving student mobility reflects a shared interest in developing a more connected academic and research relationship.
Both sides reaffirm their commitment to deeper cooperation in education, research and innovation, with the objective of creating wider opportunities for institutions, students and researchers in India and Canada.
