McGill to establish AI Centre of Excellence in India as leaders promote talent mobility and research collaboration
India and Canada have announced a significant expansion of academic co-operation, signing 13 new agreements aimed at deepening research ties, launching hybrid campuses and establishing artificial intelligence centres of excellence.
The announcement was made during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India, where he highlighted the role of education and innovation in strengthening bilateral relations.
In a post on social media platform X, Carney said Canadian universities are launching new talent partnerships across India that will provide students with international academic exposure while reinforcing institutional collaboration between the two countries.
The agreements are designed to enhance joint research initiatives, expand cross-border learning opportunities and create new pathways for students to gain global experience in high-demand fields, including artificial intelligence.
One of the most notable developments is the decision by McGill University to establish a Centre of Excellence in AI Education and Research in India. The initiative marks a major step in the university’s international expansion strategy.
According to a university statement, the announcement was made during an academic mission to India led by Universities Canada, attended by Carney and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand.
The AI Centre is scheduled to open in May 2027, with its first cohort expected in the fall of that year. Initially, the program will enrol 50 students, with plans to expand to approximately 200 students over time.
The centre will offer a master’s program that blends academic instruction with applied learning and industry engagement. Students will work on projects addressing real-world technological challenges and emerging needs within the AI sector.
The broader 13 agreements underscore a renewed focus on talent mobility and knowledge exchange between India and Canada. Officials say the partnerships aim to strengthen institutional networks and promote collaborative research in areas aligned with both countries’ economic priorities.
As Canada and India seek to broaden their economic and strategic relationship, education is emerging as a key pillar. The new university agreements signal a long-term investment in shared innovation ecosystems, with potential benefits for students, researchers and industry partners on both sides.