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- People, Knowledge and Youth as the Future of India-Canada Relations, the minister emphasised that Canada views India as a long-term strategic partner and is committed to a positive and productive relationship.
- Sawhney highlighted that Canada is keen to deepen academic and research linkages, pointing to the growing number of Indian students in Canadian institutions and the potential for joint research projects that address global challenges such as climate change, public health and sustainable development.
- “Canada wants India to know that we are a reliable, trusted partner and the path ahead for our relationship is positive and productive,” Sawhney said, noting that people-to-people connections, educational exchanges and youth engagement will be central to rebuilding momentum between the two nations.
A renewed sense of optimism is shaping the future of relations between India and Canada, with leaders from both countries signalling a strong desire to rebuild trust and expand cooperation across a wide range of sectors.
That message was clearly articulated during a recent visit by Canada’s Minister of Indigenous Relations, Rajan Sawhney, to Chandigarh University, where she addressed students, academics and policymakers at an event focused on the evolving dynamics of bilateral ties. Speaking at the forum titled Beyond Diplomacy: People, Knowledge and Youth as the Future of India-Canada Relations, the minister emphasised that Canada views India as a long-term strategic partner and is committed to a positive and productive relationship.
“Canada wants India to know that we are a reliable, trusted partner and the path ahead for our relationship is positive and productive,” Sawhney said, noting that people-to-people connections, educational exchanges and youth engagement will be central to rebuilding momentum between the two nations.
The event formed part of a broader visit by a high-level Canadian delegation to India, aimed at exploring opportunities for closer collaboration in trade, higher education, research, innovation and economic development. Delegates interacted with university leaders and industry representatives to identify areas where partnerships could be strengthened, particularly in emerging technologies, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and skills development.
Sawhney highlighted that Canada is keen to deepen academic and research linkages, pointing to the growing number of Indian students in Canadian institutions and the potential for joint research projects that address global challenges such as climate change, public health and sustainable development. She also underscored the importance of fostering innovation ecosystems that bring together universities, startups and established industries from both countries.
The minister’s visit comes ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s scheduled trip to India in March, which is expected to play a key role in resetting and advancing bilateral relations. According to Sawhney, the prime minister’s engagement will focus on strengthening trade ties and identifying new avenues for economic cooperation.
“The Prime Minister’s visit presents an important opportunity to strengthen our trade ties and identify new areas of economic cooperation,” she said, adding that Canada sees significant scope for expanding two-way investment and supply chain partnerships.
India’s recent conclusion of major trade agreements with the European Union and the United States has further heightened interest among Canadian policymakers and businesses, who are eager to position Canada as a competitive and complementary partner in India’s global economic strategy.
Participants at the Chandigarh University event echoed the view that the future of India-Canada relations will be driven not only by governments but also by students, researchers and entrepreneurs who collaborate across borders. As both countries look to the future, the emphasis on dialogue, trust and shared growth suggests a renewed chapter in a relationship with deep historical and cultural roots.
