"I think we now realise that sovereignty of a nation will no longer would be determined by the size of its gross domestic product (GDP). Sovereignty will be determined by how well a nation develops its talent and uses knowledge to improve the human condition," Johnston said while delivering a lecture at IIT Bombay.
Delighted at his second visit to the prestigious institution located at suburban Powai, Johnston said, "I have come back home. It is a delight to be back here. My last visit seems just like yesterday, but I understand a lot has changed. The students' body has almost doubled."
"India has already distinguished itself through learning. This institution is ample evidence of that," he said.
He said that both Canada and India have signed over 400 agreements with institutions of higher education.
"We have had over 400 agreements with institutions of higher education in Canada and those in India. These agreements are for Canada and India to work together in unique ways, sharing knowledge across borders, participate in joint research projects as well as exchange experts and students," he said.
"Canada is the first destination for international education. In 2012, more than 13,000 students (from India) came to Canada for studies. There has been a four-fold increase in past seven years," he said.