Canadian education delegation in India to expand skills training and industry partnerships

The mission, led by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), is taking place from March 16 to 20 and includes visits to New Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai.

The delegation is meeting Indian government officials, industry leaders and higher-education institutions to explore partnerships in technical education and skills development.

The visit follows the February trip to India by Mark Carney and the launch of the Canada-India Joint Talent and Innovation Strategy, which aims to deepen cooperation in education, technology and workforce training.

According to CICan, the mission will showcase the Canadian college and polytechnic training model, which focuses on industry-aligned education and practical skills development.

Focus on workforce development

The initiative seeks to support India’s growing demand for skilled workers while strengthening economic and labour market links between the two countries.

Officials said the collaboration is intended to align skills standards and workforce readiness between Canada and India through long-term partnerships involving colleges, technical institutes and industry organizations.

"India is home to a very large and talented young population who will be entering the workforce in the years to come," said Chris Cooter.

"Canada and India will both benefit greatly from top-notch skills training to capitalize on the jobs of tomorrow,” he said, adding that Canadian colleges offer programs designed to meet the needs of the global economy.

Cooter said the CICan mission could open new opportunities to build a "world-class Canada-India skills partnership for the future."

Photo: Mark Carney/X

Strengthening education and innovation ties

Ahead of the visit, Pari Johnston said cooperation in education and skills development is essential for economic growth and expanding trade relations.

"Education, research and skills cooperation are critical enablers of economic growth and trade diversification," Johnston said.

She added that Canada’s public college and polytechnic sector plays a strategic role in international engagement and is eager to deepen collaboration with Indian technical institutions and industry associations.

According to Johnston, the delegation will work closely with Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and other public and private sector partners to explore training partnerships in sectors of mutual interest.

Long-term partnership vision

Officials described the initiative as part of a broader "workforce development reset" designed to strengthen India’s national skills architecture while advancing Canada’s economic and investment interests.

The mission is expected to lay the groundwork for future training programs, joint research initiatives and institutional collaborations aimed at preparing workers for emerging industries and technologies.

With India’s large and rapidly expanding youth population entering the labour market and Canada facing skilled labour shortages in several sectors, policymakers in both countries see education and training partnerships as a key pillar of bilateral relations.