AI – Canada Strengthens India Ties at Global Summit
AI – Canada’s Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, is in New Delhi this week to deepen technology collaboration with India and participate in a major international AI summit.
Canada’s growing engagement in artificial intelligence is taking center stage in India as Evan Solomon joins global policymakers and technology leaders at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in the national capital.
Minister to Hold Talks With Indian Leadership
The High Commission of Canada in India confirmed that Solomon’s visit, scheduled from February 18 to 21, includes high-level meetings with senior Indian officials. These discussions are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and other emerging technologies that are reshaping global industries.
Canadian officials said the visit reflects Ottawa’s intention to strengthen its long-term technology partnership with India. The two countries have increasingly explored opportunities in digital transformation, innovation ecosystems, and research collaboration.
Solomon is also representing Canada at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where leaders are examining how artificial intelligence can responsibly shape economic and social development worldwide.
Focus on Practical Technology Partnerships
According to the Canadian High Commission, the minister’s agenda centers on building practical and commercially viable partnerships. These efforts are aimed at supporting Canadian companies seeking to expand in international markets, encouraging cross-border investment, and enhancing Canada’s competitive standing in the global technology landscape.
The emphasis is not only on innovation but also on economic opportunity. By working closely with India—one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies—Canada hopes to create pathways for collaboration between startups, research institutions, and established technology firms.
Officials noted that such partnerships could help accelerate the adoption of AI-driven solutions in sectors including healthcare, climate technology, financial services, and advanced manufacturing.
About the India AI Impact Summit 2026
The summit, currently underway at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, began on February 16 and will conclude on February 20. It has drawn participation from governments, international organizations, technology experts, academic institutions, and civil society groups from around the world.
Organizers describe the event as the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South. The gathering seeks to broaden international conversations about artificial intelligence beyond traditional power centers and ensure that developing nations have a strong voice in shaping AI governance and policy frameworks.
More than 110 countries and around 30 international organizations are represented at the summit. Participation includes approximately 20 heads of state or government and about 45 ministers, highlighting the high-level diplomatic interest in the future of AI.
A Broader Push for Global AI Governance
The India AI Impact Summit is part of an evolving international process focused on strengthening cooperation around AI governance, safety standards, and societal impact. As artificial intelligence technologies become more embedded in everyday life, governments are increasingly working together to address concerns related to ethics, security, and equitable access.
The summit is guided by three foundational pillars: People, Planet, and Progress. These principles emphasize human-centered AI systems that protect individual rights, environmentally sustainable technological development, and inclusive economic growth.
By aligning innovation with social responsibility, participating countries aim to ensure that artificial intelligence delivers benefits broadly rather than deepening existing inequalities.
Canada’s presence at the summit underscores its commitment to engaging in these global discussions while reinforcing bilateral ties with India. As international collaboration becomes essential in managing rapidly advancing technologies, diplomatic visits such as Solomon’s highlight the strategic importance of AI in shaping future economic and policy landscapes.