Mark Carney Announces New Measures For Indian Students

Last Updated On 2 March 2026, 6:53 PM EST (Toronto Time)

Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney has announced sweeping new measures for indian students during his landmark visit to India that concluded on March 2, 2026.

The announcements include:

• 300 funded research positions for indian students at canadian universities
• Up to $100 million in fully funded scholarships from the University of Toronto
• 13 new university partnerships between canadian and indian institutions
• Establishment of canadian university campuses and centres of excellence in India
• $10 million in Indo-Pacific scholarships for research collaboration

This historic visit to Mumbai and New Delhi marks the first bilateral trip to India by a canadian prime minister since 2018.

The new canada-india talent and innovation strategy unveiled during the visit represents the most significant expansion of educational cooperation between the two countries in decades.

For the 1.8 million canadians of indian origin and the hundreds of thousands of indian students who have studied in canada over the years, these announcements signal a dramatic strengthening of people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Mark Carney Announces Canada-India Talent And Innovation Strategy

The centerpiece of the education-related announcements is the new canada-india talent and innovation strategy.

Prime Minister Carney highlighted this strategy during his time in Mumbai before meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

The strategy aims to deepen education collaboration through multiple pathways:

• Talent mobility programs between the two countries
• Research exchanges at leading institutions
• Joint academic programs between canadian and indian universities
• Expanded joint degree and dual degree arrangements
• Offshore campuses of canadian institutions in India

The strategy recognizes that the movement of students, researchers, and professionals between Canada and India has been mutually beneficial for both countries.

Indian students have contributed significantly to canadian research and innovation ecosystems while gaining world-class education and training.

Canadian institutions have benefited from the talent, perspectives, and global connections that indian students bring to their campuses.

Under the new strategy, both governments have committed to enhancing industry-aligned skills training that prepares students for the evolving demands of modern economies.

Perhaps most significantly for prospective indian students, the strategy facilitates the establishment of offshore campuses of leading canadian institutions in India.

This development means indian students may soon have the opportunity to obtain canadian university credentials without leaving their home country.

Pathways to canada will remain available for those seeking the full canadian experience.

The Joint Working Group on Higher Education between Canada and India will be revitalized to support implementation of the strategy and identify new areas for cooperation.

300 Funded Research Positions For Indian Students Announced

One of the most immediately impactful announcements for indian students is the expansion of the MITACS Globalink Research Internship program.

A new memorandum of understanding between India’s All India Council for Technical Education and Canada’s MITACS makes this expansion possible.

This agreement will enable approximately 300 indian undergraduate students annually to undertake research placements at canadian universities.

Here’s what the Globalink program offers indian students:

• Hands-on research experience at leading canadian institutions
• Direct work with canadian faculty members on active research projects
• Exposure to cutting-edge methodologies and international research networks
• Professional training that complements the research experience
• Skills development in research communication, project management, and cross-cultural collaboration

For indian undergraduate students aspiring to pursue graduate studies in canada, the Globalink internship can serve as a valuable stepping stone.

The program helps students build relationships with canadian researchers and demonstrate their capabilities in international settings.

It also develops the academic credentials that strengthen graduate school applications.

The 300 funded positions represent a significant investment in building future research talent and strengthening institutional linkages between canadian and indian universities.

University Of Toronto Commits $100 Million For Indian Student Scholarships

In one of the largest scholarship commitments ever announced for indian students, the University of Toronto has pledged up to $100 million to fund up to 200 fully funded scholarships.

This extraordinary investment reflects the university’s recognition of the talent and potential that indian students bring to its programs and research initiatives.

The fully funded scholarships will cover:

• Full tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Other costs associated with studying at the university

For indian students who might otherwise face financial barriers to pursuing education at top canadian institutions, these scholarships open doors that may have seemed closed.

The University of Toronto consistently ranks among the world’s top universities and offers programs across virtually every academic discipline.

Indian students who receive these scholarships will have access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and the vibrant intellectual community that characterizes the university.

Beyond the direct recipients, the announcement signals to prospective indian students that canadian universities are actively seeking and investing in indian talent.

This commitment may encourage other canadian institutions to develop similar scholarship programs.

The scholarship program also includes outbound opportunities for canadian students to study and conduct research in India, reflecting the bilateral nature of the canada-india talent and innovation strategy.

13 New University Partnerships Between Canada And India

The canada-india talent and innovation strategy includes 13 new partnerships between canadian and indian universities.

These partnerships create institutional frameworks for:

• Student exchanges
• Faculty mobility
• Joint research projects
• Collaborative programming
• Pathway agreements for degree completion

Here’s a breakdown of each new partnership:

University of British Columbia + O.P. Jindal Global University

The two universities signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate student and faculty exchanges and research collaboration.

This partnership connects one of canada’s leading research universities with one of india’s most innovative private institutions.

Simon Fraser University + O.P. Jindal Global University

This agreement creates a framework for faculty and student mobility, joint academic programming, and research collaboration.

It includes potential transnational education and academic exchange opportunities.

Simon Fraser University + Hydrogen Association of India

This partnership facilitates collaboration with indian academic and research institutes to advance joint hydrogen research, innovation, and technology development.

It supports clean energy solutions and deeper canada-india academic partnerships.

University of the Fraser Valley + Panjab University

This agreement enables faculty and student mobility, joint academic programming, and expanded research exchanges.

The partnership focuses on a cohort-based model for student mobility that allows groups of students to study together across institutions.

Algoma University + Parul University

This partnership supports:

• Broad academic cooperation
• Research collaboration
• Student and faculty exchanges
• Short or summer courses
• Pathway agreements for Parul School of Computer Science and Engineering students to transition into designated Algoma University programs

Algoma University + Chandigarh University

This agreement broadens an existing partnership and includes:

• Research collaboration
• Student and faculty exchanges
• Short or summer courses
• Multiple pathway agreements allowing eligible students from psychology, computer applications, and management departments to transition directly into designated Algoma University programs

Dalhousie University + SRM Institute of Science and Technology

This partnership supports a Nursing Dual Degree Program that includes:

• 25 Indian Nursing Council-approved supernumerary seats
• Dual credentials
• Embedded clinical experience in canada
• Potential pathways to nursing practice in Nova Scotia

This partnership addresses healthcare workforce needs in both countries while providing indian nursing students with internationally recognized credentials.

Dalhousie University + Indian Council of Agricultural Research

This agreement supports collaboration in:

• Digital agriculture
• Climate-resilient agriculture
• Horticulture
• Aquaculture
• Animal husbandry

The agreement focuses on joint research and broader academic cooperation across these priority areas.

University of Guelph + O.P. Jindal Global University

The two universities signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate student and faculty mobility for training and research.

Brock University + O.P. Jindal Global University

This partnership supports faculty collaborations and short three-year exchanges in areas such as public health and sports management business.

Royal Roads University + O.P. Jindal Global University

The two universities signed a memorandum of understanding to support faculty and student exchange.

University of Toronto + Indian Institute of Science

This AI-focused memorandum of understanding advances collaboration in AI research and education.

The partnership involves the Temerty Centre for AI Research and Education in Medicine and other University of Toronto AI researchers in joint initiatives.

The Indian Institute of Science is one of india’s leading universities.

University of Toronto + Jio Institute

The University of Toronto renewed its agreement with the Jio Institute, a multidisciplinary higher education institution established as a philanthropic initiative.

The agreement supports collaboration in areas such as AI and management with focus on student exchanges and visiting faculty.

These 13 partnerships join 24 total education-related memorandums of understanding concluded during Prime Minister Carney’s visit.

Dalhousie University To Open Innovation Campus In India

In a groundbreaking development for canadian higher education presence in India, Dalhousie University will establish an innovation campus.

The campus will be created in partnership with:

• Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati
• Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati

This represents one of the first canadian university campuses on indian soil.

It reflects the deep institutional collaboration envisioned under the canada-india talent and innovation strategy.

The innovation campus model allows Dalhousie to extend its research and educational capabilities to India while leveraging the strengths of its indian partner institutions.

Students at the campus will benefit from access to faculty and resources from three leading institutions across two countries.

This creates a uniquely international educational experience.

For indian students, the Dalhousie innovation campus offers exposure to canadian teaching methods, research approaches, and academic culture without requiring international travel.

This accessibility may be particularly valuable for students who face:

• Visa challenges
• Financial constraints
• Family obligations that make studying abroad difficult

The partnership with IIT Tirupati and IISER Tirupati connects Dalhousie with two of india’s premier science and technology institutions.

University Of Toronto And McGill To Open Centres Of Excellence In India

Alongside the Dalhousie innovation campus, the University of Toronto and McGill University will establish Centres of Excellence in India.

These centres will serve as hubs for:

• Research collaboration
• Student programming
• Academic partnership building

The University of Toronto Centre of Excellence builds on the university’s existing partnerships in India, including its agreements with the Indian Institute of Science and the Jio Institute.

The centre will focus on priority research areas including:

• Artificial intelligence
• Health sciences
• Sustainable development

McGill University’s Centre of Excellence extends one of canada’s oldest and most respected universities into the indian academic landscape.

McGill brings particular strengths in medicine, law, engineering, and the sciences that complement indian institutional capabilities.

These centres of excellence represent long-term institutional commitments to the canada-india academic relationship.

Unlike short-term program agreements that may expire or be discontinued, the centres establish permanent presences that can evolve and expand over time.

For indian students and researchers, the centres provide access points for engaging with canadian academic networks without the complexity of navigating international partnerships independently.

Students can:

• Learn about study opportunities in canada
• Connect with canadian researchers in their fields
• Access resources that support academic and career development

$10 Million In Indo-Pacific Scholarships For Research Collaboration

Canada has allocated $10 million in Indo-Pacific scholarships and fellowships under its Indo-Pacific Strategy, with significant programming focused on India.

This funding supports over 85 canadian graduate students and researchers from 11 canadian post-secondary institutions to travel to India and collaborate with leading indian academics.

The scholarships support research across priority areas including:

• Clean hydrogen
• Climate resilience
• Artificial intelligence
• Trade and supply chain resilience
• Sustainable development

These focus areas reflect shared challenges facing both countries where collaborative research can generate solutions benefiting both societies.

While the Indo-Pacific scholarships primarily fund canadian students to study in India, the program strengthens bilateral research networks that benefit indian researchers and students as well.

Canadian researchers who develop relationships with indian institutions often create opportunities for indian students to:

• Visit canada for research
• Pursue graduate studies
• Participate in collaborative projects

The program also demonstrates canada’s commitment to understanding and engaging with India as a strategic partner.

Canada-India Major Strategic Partnerships Announced

Beyond the education-focused measures, Prime Minister Carney’s visit produced a comprehensive set of strategic partnerships spanning energy, defence, technology, and trade.

These broader agreements create economic and diplomatic context that affects indian nationals seeking immigration pathways to canada.

Canada-India Economic Partnership Agreement 2026

Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Modi confirmed that Canada and India will conclude a new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by the end of 2026.

This trade agreement aims to more than double bilateral trade to $70 billion by 2030.

Key implications:

• Reduced trade barriers between the two countries
• Facilitated investment flows
• More integrated economic relationships
• Potential provisions affecting labour mobility
• Possible improvements to professional credential recognition
• New business immigration pathways

The finalization and signing of the Terms of Reference for CEPA negotiations signals serious commitment from both governments.

$2.6 Billion Uranium Deal With Cameco

A landmark $2.6 billion agreement between the Government of India and Saskatoon-based Cameco will supply nearly 22 million pounds of uranium to India.

The supply period runs from 2027 to 2035.

This deal:

• Represents one of the largest single commercial agreements between canadian and indian entities
• Supports India’s expanding civil nuclear energy program
• Advances India’s clean energy transition objectives
• Creates jobs in Saskatchewan’s uranium mining sector

Strategic Energy Partnership Launched

Canada and India announced a new Strategic Energy Partnership covering:

• Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
• Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
• Uranium
• Solar energy
• Hydrogen

The partnership includes two memorandums of understanding intensifying cooperation on critical minerals and energy sources.

Additional commitments include:

• Canada’s intention to join the International Solar Alliance
• Upgrade to full membership in the Global Biofuels Alliance
• Discussions to conclude Canada’s first long-term LPG arrangement with India

Critical Minerals Cooperation Agreement

A memorandum of understanding on Critical Minerals Cooperation reflects shared commitment to building resilient, secure, and diversified critical minerals supply chains.

Both countries agreed to:

• Strengthen collaboration in investment for clean energy technologies
• Explore collaboration on India’s mineral stockpiling initiative
• Share expertise on emissions reductions and transition technologies

India endorsed the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan supporting diversified and responsible production.

Defence Dialogue And Maritime Security Partnership

The prime ministers launched a new Defence Dialogue supporting:

• Maritime security cooperation
• Stability in the Indo-Pacific
• Training and education exchanges
• Joint military exercises

A new Maritime Security Partnership covers:

• Defence material cooperation
• Supply chain resilience
• Training and exercises

Additional defence developments:

• Canada appointed a Defence Attaché to India
• India accredited its Defence Attaché in Washington D.C. to Canada
• Agreement to negotiate a General Security of Information Agreement

Space And Technology Cooperation

The Canadian Space Agency and the Indian Space Research Organisation agreed to cooperate on Earth observation.

They intend to explore joint initiatives on:

• Space exploration
• Quantum technologies
• Space robotics
• Human spaceflight
• Quantum communication technologies

This builds on 30 years of space cooperation since the agencies’ first memorandum of understanding in 1996.

Artificial Intelligence Partnership

A memorandum of understanding under the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation Partnership formalizes collaboration on:

• Development and deployment of artificial intelligence
• Industry cooperation
• Digital infrastructure
• Semiconductor and electronics manufacturing
• High-performance computing
• Cybersecurity

Both sides intend to establish cross-border work-integrated learning opportunities.

This will enable indian engineers and researchers to gain hands-on experience at canada’s world-class AI research institutes.

Canadian engineers will gain exposure to India’s expertise in large-scale deployment of digital public infrastructure.

HCL Technologies Expanding Canadian Operations

HCL Technologies, India’s third-largest IT services company, announced plans to expand its operations in canada.

Key details:

• Workforce increase of 75 percent by 2030
• Thousands of high-paying careers created in canada
• Reflects growing indian corporate presence in canada
• Creates employment opportunities in the technology sector

CEO Forum And Finance Ministers Dialogue

The reconstituted India-Canada CEO Forum will:

• Foster strong private-sector engagement
• Facilitate greater bilateral investment
• Identify new opportunities in trade, investment, and innovation
• Support supply chain resilience initiatives

A new Finance Ministers’ Economic and Financial Dialogue will address:

• Payments modernization
• Financial stability
• Fintech innovation
• Capital markets development
• Cross-border remittances
• Merchant payments

Security And Law Enforcement Cooperation

The leaders agreed to advance bilateral cooperation on security and law enforcement.

Issues being addressed include:

• Illegal flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl precursors
• Transnational organized criminal networks
• Violent extremism and terrorism
• Cybercrime
• Extortion and financial fraud
• Trafficking and related criminal networks

Security and law enforcement liaison mechanisms will be established to streamline bilateral communication.

Prime Minister Carney underscored that Canada will continue to take measures to combat transnational repression.

Immigration Implications Of Canada-India Partnership

The comprehensive strengthening of the canada-india relationship carries implications for indian nationals seeking immigration pathways to canada.

While the announcements do not directly change immigration policy, they create conditions that may influence future opportunities.

Talent Mobility Signals

The emphasis on talent mobility and the canada-india talent and innovation strategy signal continued canadian interest in attracting skilled indian workers, students, and professionals.

Programs like the Global Talent Stream and International Mobility Program may see expanded use for indian applicants.

Trade Agreement Implications

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, once finalized, may include provisions affecting business immigration categories.

Trade agreements sometimes include labour mobility chapters creating preferential pathways for:

• Business visitors
• Intra-company transferees
• Professionals in specific occupations

Corporate Investment Creates Opportunities

Growing indian corporate investment in canada, exemplified by HCL Technologies’ expansion, creates employment opportunities.

These may support work permit and express entry applications for indian workers.

Companies establishing or expanding canadian operations often sponsor international workers.

Education Pathways To PR

The research and education partnerships create pathways through study permits.

These can lead to:

• Post-graduation work permits
• Permanent residence through express entry
• Provincial nominee program nominations

Students who complete canadian credentials gain significant advantages in the immigration system.

Provincial Nominee Opportunities

Provincial nominee programs in provinces with strong india connections may develop streams targeting indian workers.

Sectors prioritized under the bilateral partnerships may see particular alignment.

Saskatchewan, with its uranium mining sector benefiting from the Cameco deal, may offer expanded opportunities.

Provinces with growing technology sectors may also see increased programming.

Looking Ahead: Canada-India Relations In 2026

Prime Minister Carney’s visit represents what both leaders described as a significant step forward in the bilateral relationship.

The breadth and depth of the partnerships announced signal sustained commitment to strengthening canada-india ties.

Prime Minister Carney extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Canada.

This suggests high-level engagement will continue in the months ahead.

Throughout 2026, expect:

• Ministerial-level meetings
• Business delegations
• Working-level implementation of memorandums of understanding

For indian nationals considering immigration to canada, these developments suggest a favorable environment for applications in education, skilled worker, and business categories.

The emphasis on people-to-people ties, talent mobility, and commercial partnership aligns with immigration pathways that indian applicants commonly pursue.

Monitor developments in:

• CEPA negotiations
• University partnership implementation
• Bilateral programs

Follow official announcements from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada regarding any immigration policy changes related to the partnership.

The 1.8 million canadians of indian origin and the extensive networks connecting the two countries provide foundation for continued growth.

The partnerships announced during Prime Minister Carney’s visit build on these existing connections while creating new opportunities for the next generation of indian students, workers, and families seeking to build lives in canada.

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