Commonwealth_ Anita Anand has been appointed as Canada’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, becoming the first Hindu woman to hold this prestigious post. Her appointment was part of a major Cabinet reshuffle under newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney, who unveiled a 38-member Cabinet lineup. Anand took her oath of office on Tuesday, placing her hand on the Bhagavad Gita, a symbolic gesture that reflects her deep cultural roots.
Anand replaces Mélanie Joly in the foreign affairs portfolio and assumes the role at a critical juncture in Canada’s international relations. In her post on X (formerly Twitter), Anand expressed gratitude and commitment, stating, “I am honoured to be named Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Mark Carney and our team to build a safer, fairer world and deliver for Canadians.”
The new foreign minister’s appointment has drawn international attention, particularly from India. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar extended his congratulations to Anand, a sign that both countries may be looking to recalibrate their strained relations. Diplomatic ties between Canada and India had soured following former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s controversial remarks in September 2023. Trudeau had claimed in Parliament that Canadian intelligence agencies were pursuing “credible allegations” linking Indian government agents to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and pro-Khalistan activist. India had strongly rejected the accusations, calling them “absurd and motivated.”
Anand brings a wealth of experience and political maturity to her new role. Before taking on foreign affairs, she served in several senior Cabinet positions, including Minister of National Defence, Minister of Transport, Minister of International Trade, and President of the Treasury Board. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in vaccine procurement and distribution while at the Department of Public Services and Procurement, was widely recognized.
She briefly entered the race to succeed Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister after he stepped down but later withdrew, saying she intended to continue serving Canadians in whatever capacity she could. “I will continue to honourably execute my roles as a public office holder until the next election,” she said at the time.
Anita Anand’s personal story is as compelling as her political journey. Born and raised in rural Nova Scotia, she moved to Ontario in 1985. Her mother hails from Punjab, and her father is originally from Tamil Nadu, making her a representative of Canada’s richly diverse multicultural society. According to the Canadian government’s official website, she and her husband, John, have raised four children in Oakville, Ontario, where they continue to reside.
Anand’s academic credentials are equally impressive. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Studies from Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Jurisprudence from the University of Oxford, a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University, and a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto. She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1994 and went on to have a distinguished legal and academic career before entering politics.
Her appointment marks a significant moment for gender and cultural representation in Canadian politics. As she steps into her new role, Anita Anand faces the daunting task of navigating complex global challenges, from Canada’s tense relations with India to broader geopolitical shifts, including climate change diplomacy, humanitarian crises, and evolving alliances. Her blend of professional experience, diplomatic poise, and personal integrity positions her as a key player in shaping Canada’s foreign policy under the Carney administration.
