India-Canada Relations in 2025

Strengthening India-Canada Ties: Jaishankar and Anita Anand Open a New Chapter

In a notable step toward restoring one of the most important diplomatic and educational relationships globally, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently held a constructive conversation with Canada's new Foreign Minister Anita Anand. The dialogue, the first of its kind following the recent shift in Canada’s political leadership, is a promising sign of renewed engagement between two countries that have long shared educational, economic, and cultural bonds. With this development, international education community gears up for positive advancement in study in Canada options.

This exchange marks a potential turning point in India-Canada relations, strained under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s tenure, particularly after allegations surfaced in 2023 linking Indian officials to the Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. The diplomatic fallout led to a freeze in trade talks, reciprocal expulsions of diplomats, and a chilling effect on people-to-people exchanges, especially in the student visa and immigration sectors.

However, this fresh engagement under Canada's new government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Foreign Minister Anita Anand, signals a strong intention to stabilize ties, restart cooperation, and rebuild trust between the two nations.

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What This Means for Indian Students in Canada?

The India-Canada diplomatic row during Trudeau’s term led to serious repercussions for Indian students, who represent the largest cohort of international students in Canada. According to official Canadian data, over 319,000 Indian students were enrolled in Canada as of 2023. However, due to political tensions and subsequent visa tightening, this number witnessed a dramatic 31% drop in study permits issued in early 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year.

Indian students reported delays in processing times, added scrutiny, and increased financial documentation requirements. Additionally, the uncertainty in bilateral relations created anxiety about future immigration prospects, post-study work opportunities, and PR pathways.

Now, with the diplomatic ice thawing, students and education consultants are hopeful that:

• Visa timelines will normalize.
• Restrictions on new Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) will be eased.
• Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria will become more transparent and stable.

These changes can significantly impact study abroad aspirants and the Canadian education sector, which relies heavily on Indian enrollment for both revenue and diversity.

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Education and Innovation as a Pillar of Bilateral Cooperation

Education has historically been a cornerstone of India-Canada relations. Canadian universities and colleges consistently rank among the top choices for Indian students due to their high-quality education, co-op programs, and the pathway they provide toward immigration.

Canada is home to several globally ranked institutions like:

• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• McGill University 
• University of Waterloo

Programs in fields such as engineering, data science, health sciences, and public policy are particularly attractive due to their relevance in the global job market and alignment with Canadian labour needs.

With this new diplomatic outreach, both governments may revisit stalled education MOUs, encourage academic exchange programs, and invest in joint innovation hubs to bolster R&D collaboration, faculty mobility, and tech partnerships between Indian and Canadian institutions.

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What Could Change for Immigration and PR Aspirants?

One of the top motivations for Indian students choosing Canada is its clear and well-structured immigration pathways. However, during the diplomatic standoff, immigration policy underwent tightening:

• Cap on new international students per province
• PR policy uncertainty
• Additional barriers for Indian students and graduates in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia

Under the new leadership, the Canadian government is expected to return to a more inclusive immigration stance. Prime Minister Carney, known for his economic pragmatism and globalist approach, is likely to prioritize international talent retention, especially from strategic countries like India.

Key reforms students can expect if relations continue to stabilize:

• Reaffirmation of the Express Entry pathway for skilled graduates
• More consistent rules around Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
• Incentives for international graduates to work in tech, education, and healthcare sectors

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Why This Reset Matters Globally?

India and Canada are both influential members of the Commonwealth, G20, and active voices in international affairs. Restoring strong bilateral ties can have a ripple effect beyond education:

• Trade: The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), frozen for over a year, might be revived.
• Climate & Tech: Collaboration on clean energy, climate finance, and technology startups can be prioritized.
• Cultural Exchange: Stronger people-to-people ties can reduce misinformation and improve diaspora engagement.

The Indian diaspora in Canada, over 1.4 million strong, also plays a critical role in this bridge. From tech entrepreneurs to public servants, Indo-Canadians are key stakeholders in shaping the future of this bilateral equation.

Summary: What Should Indian Students Expect?

With diplomatic repair underway, here are some immediate outcomes and expectations for Indian students:

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A Constructive Path Forward

The Jaishankar-Anand conversation is more than a political formality—it's a strong signal to students, families, universities, and businesses that India and Canada are ready to turn the page.

As both countries work to move past diplomatic turbulence, stakeholders in education and industry are optimistic. The expectation is that a mutually respectful and forward-looking relationship will help restore Canada’s position as a leading destination for Indian students.

For aspiring students, now is a great time to study in Canada, stay updated on embassy advisories, and consult with authorized education advisors like SIEC for guidance on university shortlisting, visa requirements, and scholarship opportunities.

Conclusion

Reach out to SIEC for Application inquiries and assistance.

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