Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met a high-level delegation from Canada led by Ms. Rajan Sawhney, Minister for Indigenous Relations, Government of Alberta, Canada, at his official residence Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chief Minister emphasized that Haryana has always been open to global partnerships that contribute to skill enhancement, innovation, and economic growth. He highlighted that a large number of students from Haryana are currently pursuing higher education in Canada, making academic collaboration a key area of mutual interest. During the detailed discussions, both sides explored possibilities of deepening cooperation in the field of higher education. Special emphasis was laid on the proposal for establishing overseas campuses of Canadian universities in India, particularly in Haryana.
The delegation briefed the Chief Minister on Alberta’s advanced skill development ecosystem and various initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment. Both sides agreed that collaborative efforts in skill training, vocational education, and industry-linked programmes could significantly enhance employment opportunities for youth in Haryana.
The discussions also focused on potential cooperation in critical sectors such as energy, food processing, agriculture, logistics and free trade. The Chief Minister highlighted Haryana’s growing capabilities in renewable energy, agri-based industries, and supply chain infrastructure, and expressed interest in knowledge-sharing, technology transfer, and investment opportunities with Alberta in these sectors.
Ms. Rajan Sawhney appreciated Haryana’s progressive approach toward industrial development, innovation, and human resource development. The meeting was held in a warm, constructive and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the strengthening ties between Haryana and Canada.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini assured the visiting delegation of all possible support and facilitation from the Haryana Government for initiatives that promote bilateral cooperation, educational exchange, and economic partnership.
Notably, Haryana has a dedicated Department of Foreign Cooperation, responsible for the state’s diplomacy, bilateral and multilateral relations at the international level, and assistance to the Haryanvi Diaspora. It propagates the state government’s vision of transforming Haryana through a ‘Go Global Approach’. A presentation on the department’s activities and initiatives was also given during the meeting.
Chief Principal Secretary to CM, Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary, Foreign Cooperation Department, Amneet P Kumar, Director General, Information, Public Relations, Languages & Culture, K. Makarand Pandurang, Advisor to Chief Minister, Foreign Cooperation Department, Pawan Kumar Choudhary, and other senior officials were present in the meeting.
