Over 600 AI luminaries convened in Toronto on January 21 for the ‘India-Canada AI Dialog 2026’, hosted by the Indian Consulate General. The forum celebrated India’s central contributions to equitable, ethical AI that prioritizes public welfare, framing India-Canada collaboration as vital for mutual prosperity.
Jointly executed with Waterloo University, Canada India Tech Council, and Zoho Inc., the dialog stood out among elite pre-summit gatherings ahead of the ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’ in New Delhi on February 19-20. It aimed to spark ideas and propel partnerships forward.
India’s High Commissioner Dinesh K. Patnaik articulated the bilateral ethos: ‘This platform mirrors our collective approach to responsibly crafting AI’s trajectory. Heading into the India AI Impact Summit, it illustrates how Canada, as a steadfast ally, can co-create inclusive, principled innovations with worldwide impact.’
Canada’s AI and Digital Innovation Minister Ivan Solomon declared AI a current imperative: ‘India and Canada must collaborate to make this technology empower individuals, fortify communities, and generate substantial economic benefits.’
Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford hailed the enduring economic and tech linkages, applauding the Indian Consulate’s proactive role. Acting Consul General Kapidhwaj Pratap Singh praised Toronto’s status as a top-tier AI hub: ‘Hosting this dialog here is a bold move to interconnect India and Canada’s cutting-edge innovation spheres.’
As Toronto cements its global AI prominence, the event crystallized a roadmap for ethical tech diplomacy, promising accelerated joint ventures and setting high expectations for the Delhi summit.