Highlighting India’s growing role in responsible and impact-focused artificial intelligence, the Consulate General of India in Canada hosted the “India-Canada AI Dialogue 2026” in Toronto. The event emphasized the importance of bilateral collaboration for mutual economic and societal benefits and was organized in partnership with the University of Waterloo, Canada India Tech Council, and Zoho Inc.
The dialogue, attended by over 600 senior leaders including policymakers, C-suite executives, academics, and AI researchers, aimed to foster collaboration between India and Canada in artificial intelligence. It is one of the few global pre-summit events ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for February 19–20 in New Delhi, which seeks to bring diverse perspectives and build momentum for AI development in the Global South.
Speaking at the event, Dinesh K. Patnaik, India’s High Commissioner to Canada, said, “The India-Canada AI Dialogue 2026 reflects our shared vision for shaping AI responsibly. As we prepare for the India AI Impact Summit, Canada’s partnership demonstrates how trusted collaborators can drive inclusive, ethical, and globally relevant innovation.”
Evan Solomon, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, added, “AI is no longer a future-facing conversation; it is transforming work, governance, and human interaction. This dialogue prioritizes impact, accountability, and human outcomes. Both nations have different strengths but share a responsibility to ensure AI benefits people, societies, and economies.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford emphasized the longstanding India-Canada partnership and praised the Consulate General for convening the dialogue, noting its role in promoting trade, investment, people-to-people ties, and research collaboration in emerging technologies like AI.
Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh, Acting Consul General of India in Toronto, highlighted Toronto’s position as a global AI hub, stating that the dialogue facilitated meaningful engagement between Canadian innovators and India’s rapidly growing AI ecosystem, laying the groundwork for continued cooperation ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
