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Professor Deep Saini, vice-president of the University of Toronto and principal of U of T Mississauga, will accompany Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne on a trade mission to India next week.

The six-day trip will visit four cities – New Delhi, Chandigarh, Hyderabad and Mumbai – to strengthen economic, political and cultural ties with the world’s third-largest economy.

Saini will represent U of T as one of a number of delegates from Ontario’s higher education institutions.The mission provides an opportunity to meet with India’s government and industry decision-makers, connect with potential business partners and investors, and promote Ontario’s expertise.

“This trip presents a great opportunity for the institution, and for our local businesses. At U of T, we are anchored in our local community, but we are a global university. We do research all over the world, and our alumni live in over 180 countries,” Saini said. “India is a happening place, and presents many opportunities for collaboration. Making those contacts and having an influence on what gets done is a critical advantage for us.

“I will be supporting the province’s economic interests by showcasing the high quality of education we have here in Ontario,” he said. “I’ll be promoting our graduate programs to senior university delegates, including our graduate programs from the .”

Saini will also sign a memorandum of agreement with New Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia University to develop partnerships for UTM’s .

“There will be opportunities to explore joint research, exchange of students and faculty and the potential to hold conferences together,” Saini said.

He also plans to meet with senior educators to promote I-Challenge, a new summer high school enrichment program at UTM. The inaugural student group is to be hosted on campus in 2017.

Smart infrastructure is also on the agenda. “India is looking for new ways to manage its growth and infrastructure challenges,” Saini said. “U of T is a leader in this area. We have a lot of know-how to contribute, and in the process, we can create opportunities for our local companies.”

Other delegates include local business leaders, provincial ministers and members of provincial and local government, including Mississauga mayor Bonnie Crombie.