Toronto hosts India–Canada AI Dialogue ahead of New Delhi summit

The dialogue, organised with the University of Waterloo, the Canada India Tech Council, and Zoho Inc., brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and academics from both countries.

India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh K. Patnaik, said the dialogue reflected a shared approach to responsible AI development.

“The India–Canada AI Dialogue 2026 reflects our shared vision for shaping the future of artificial intelligence responsibly,” he said, adding that partnerships with countries like Canada could help drive “inclusive, ethical, and globally relevant” innovation.

Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, said AI was already reshaping societies and economies.

“What makes the India–Canada AI Dialogue so important is that it puts impact, accountability, and human outcomes at the centre of the discussion,” he said.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford highlighted the long-standing partnership between India and Canada, saying it was built on trade, investment, and research ties, including in emerging technologies such as AI.

Acting Consul General of India in Toronto Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh said hosting the dialogue in Toronto helped connect India’s expanding AI ecosystem with Canadian innovators.

University of Waterloo President Vivek Goel said deeper collaboration could accelerate ethical AI through work on large datasets and public health innovation.

More than 600 senior leaders from government, industry, and academia attended the event, which organisers said helped build momentum for the India AI Impact Summit scheduled for February 19–20 this year.