In a first since the diplomatic ties between India and Canada worsened in 2023 over the killing of Sikh separatist leader Harjit Singh Nijjar, a three-member delegation from McGill University, Canada’s top ranked public varsity, is currently visiting India to explore academic collaborations and strengthen relationship between both countries. Hargurdeep Singh Saini, better known as Deep Saini, vice-chancellor cum president, McGill University, is leading the delegation. With his roots in Punjab’s Nawanshahr, and an alumnus of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, Saini is the first person of Indian origin to head the 202-year old McGill university, ranked number 1 in Canada and 27 in the world in the latest QS Rankings. In this conversation with The Indian Express, Saini tells why this long-pending visit to India matters, for both India and Canada. Excerpts: Q: How are you seeing this visit to India, especially since ties between both countries witnessed a worrying downslide in 2023? A: I was born and educated in India so even as I am a Canadian citizen now, India for me is really special. With new High Commissioners recently appointed in both countries and early signs of improved diplomatic relations, this is a fitting moment to showcase how higher education can act as a bridge for collaboration. McGill hosts a vibrant and growing community of Indian students and scholars and exemplifies the role universities play in advancing bilateral ties. McGill has a longstanding commitment to academic partnerships in India and education is one such medium which can really help in resetting and strengthening the relationship between India and Canada. Q: What is the agenda of the visit? Is McGill eyeing a partnership with Indian institutions? A: We are a three-member delegation visiting Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru until October 16. In Delhi, we have met the representatives from the Union ministry of education and the University Grants Commission (UGC). Also, we are meeting with officials at the University of Delhi, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (Mumbai), Ashoka University, IIT Bombay among others. We have also visited Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, Delhi. These institutions represent longstanding and emerging partners in fields ranging from fundamental sciences to social policy and innovation. In Bengaluru, we will be holding talks with IT giants Wipro and Infosys. The visit focuses on strengthening ways for Indian students to pursue academic opportunities at McGill University in Montreal, while expanding opportunities for McGill students to engage with India’s premier universities. Collaborative research is another focus area, particularly in healthcare, agriculture and artificial intelligence (AI), with an emphasis on health innovation, biomedical research, and AI applications. The visit marks a significant step in deepening Canada–India academic ties with a long-term vision for research and student exchange. Q: Why do you say that India is special for you after nearly five decades of moving out from Punjab. A: I pursued both my graduation and postgraduation in botany from PAU, Ludhiana, before moving to Australia in 1978 for PhD in plant physiology from the University of Adelaide. India is my mother and Canada is my adopted home. My Indian roots are an aspect of my life that will always be there. I do my job as any other Canadian citizen. But I am aware that there are people who take inspiration from the fact that an Indian is heading Canada’s top university. I know I have a responsibility to act in a certain way so that they continue to be inspired. I am extremely committed to contribute to India’s future and to help strengthen relations between two countries. Q: Foreign universities can now have campuses in India. Is McGill planning anything on this? A: We are watching this new Indian government policy with great interest. It is also one of the reasons for the visit, to understand the policy’ working and if it is the right time for McGill to be physically present in India. We are yet to make a decision on it. Q: With the Canadian government going stringent with visas for Indian students, how is McGill looking to contribute to higher education in India? A: This is an information gathering visit to understand how McGill can contribute in making India’s higher education system better. At McGill, we are currently having little less than 700 Indian students and they have a very important part of McGill’s diverse student base. McGill University wants to act as a bridge between both countries so that students from both countries are benefitted. Q: What is the change you are seeing in India? Is there any collaboration in the pipeline with your alma mater PAU? A: I am seeing great confidence and vibrancy in India, much improved infrastructure and a spirit of optimism during conversations. Our university collaborates with PAU on gene editing and crop improvement.
