As part of the Indo-Pacific Initiative supported by the Government of Canada, the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada launched the India-Canada Research Initiative (ICRI) in September 2024. Based in New Delhi at the Council for Strategic and Defense Research (CSDR), the ICRI provides a platform to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Canada through academic exchange, policy research, and strategic engagement, with a focus on enhancing bilateral co-operation across key sectors.
By bringing together stakeholders from both Canada and India, the ICRI helps to sustain essential communication channels during times of diplomatic strain and produces policy-focused research and recommendations that align with Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS).
The initiative directly advances the IPS objective of “promoting peace, resilience, and security,” by hosting closed-door dialogues and public roundtables that address mutual security concerns, diaspora politics, and trust-building.
As the initiative progresses, it will expand to support two additional IPS strategic objectives: "building resilient and diversified supply chains and supporting inclusive trade" through research on critical minerals and technological innovation, and "building a sustainable and inclusive future" by exploring co-operation on climate action and agricultural innovation.
Leadership
The ICRI is chaired by Mr. Ajay Bisaria, former High Commissioner of India to Canada. Mr. Bisaria brings extensive diplomatic experience and a deep understanding of bilateral relations to the initiative. The project also includes a network of scholars, researchers, and distinguished fellows based in New Delhi. The ICRI maintains a dedicated web presence that serves as a digital hub for its activities.
Research and Analysis
The ICRI focuses on producing well-researched, objective analysis to inform policy decisions on Canada-India relations and broader issues of shared interest in the Indo-Pacific region.
Recent publications:
- Bridging Innovation and Scale: A Framework for India-Canada Climate Technology Partnership – This report explores the potential for enhanced collaboration between India and Canada in climate technology. It highlights India’s burgeoning clean energy market and climate challenges alongside Canada’s advanced research and development capabilities in areas like AI-enabled energy efficiency and carbon capture.
- Recalibrating India-Canada Relations: A Strategic Assessment for 2025 and Beyond – This report analyzes the current state of bilateral relations and offers strategic recommendations for strengthening the partnership.
Events and Engagements
The India-Canada Research Initiative convenes both public and private events that bring together key stakeholders from Canada and India to foster dialogue and strategic engagement.
- In February 2025, a closed-door discussion was held to promote dialogue on pressing bilateral issues. The event in New Delhi, India, brought together senior diplomats, policy experts, and thought leaders from both countries.
- On February 15, 2025, a public roundtable discussion titled "India-Canada Relations: Moving Beyond the Fault-lines" was convened in New Delhi, India, featuring participation from senior journalists, media personalities, diplomats, academics, and business leaders.
Public Engagement
The ICRI has established itself as a valuable thought partner for stakeholders in both countries — including governments, think tanks, the research and higher education sectors, and members of the Canada-India economic corridor. Recognizing the importance of public discourse in shaping bilateral relations, the ICRI actively engages with the media to promote policy-focused discussions. The Chair and distinguished fellows are frequent contributors to newspaper op-eds and expert commentary.
Recent op-ed:
Carney’s Burden: Trump, Trade & a New World Order by Ajay Bisaria and Nadir Patel, Hindustan Times.
For more information on the ICRI email info@asiapacific.ca.
