India and Canada signed over 12 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on October 26, 2023, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy, and student-faculty exchanges. The agreements involve leading Indian and Canadian institutions, including IISc Bangalore and IIT Bombay.
New AI Centre Established
McGill University, in partnership with the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, will launch a Centre of Excellence in AI and Research. This centre will train 200 graduates annually for AI careers. McGill will provide research expertise. The Jubilant Bhartia Foundation will manage industry connections and infrastructure in India.
300 Indian Students for AI Research Internships
The All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Mitacs Inc. signed an MoU. This agreement will fund 300 Indian students for 12-week research internships annually starting in 2027. The Globalink Research Internship program covers science, engineering, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences.
The MoUs aim to create cross-border work-integrated learning. Indian engineers will gain experience at Canadian AI research institutes. Canadian engineers will learn about India’s digital public infrastructure.
These announcements occurred during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s four-day visit to India. This was his first official visit since taking office.
Collaborations in AI and Clean Energy
The University of Toronto signed an AI-focused MoU with IISc Bangalore. They also renewed a partnership with Jio Institute for AI and management cooperation.
The University of Toronto India Foundation will establish a research and entrepreneurship centre in India. This centre will focus on sustainable and climate-resilient cities.
Simon Fraser University and the Hydrogen Association of India will advance hydrogen research. Saskatchewan Polytechnic and IIT Bombay’s National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture will collaborate on carbon capture technologies.
Expanded Academic Mobility
Agreements were made with universities like the University of British Columbia and Dalhousie University. These pacts with Indian institutions, including OP Jindal Global University and SRM Institute of Science and Technology, will facilitate student and faculty exchanges. Dual-degree programs and academic transitions are also included.
Other MoUs involve Parul University, Chandigarh University, ATLAS SkillTech University, Panjab University, and Cambridge International School. These focus on academic progression and transnational education.
Indo-Pacific Scholarships Announced
An India-Pacific scholarship program was also announced. Over 85 graduate students and researchers from 11 Canadian institutions will travel to India. They will collaborate with Indian academics through a $10 million program.
Both nations highlighted the importance of education and talent mobility. These exchanges strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Canada.