In a historic political development, Indian-origin Canadian politician Anita Anand has been appointed as Canada’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs. The announcement came during a major cabinet reshuffle by newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney, signaling a fresh chapter in Canadian governance and a clear shift from the policies of the previous Justin Trudeau era. Anita Anand, who previously served as Canada’s Defence Minister, has taken over the role from Mélanie Joly, who has now been moved to the position of Minister of Industry.
Anand’s swearing-in was marked by a symbolic and heartfelt gesture—placing her hand on the Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita, a tradition she has consistently followed in previous cabinet appointments. Her act has been widely praised for embracing cultural identity while serving in a high-profile government role. Expressing her gratitude, Anand wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “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.”
This cabinet reshuffle is part of Prime Minister Carney’s broader vision to rebuild the Liberal Party’s image and leadership with a strong focus on experience and diversity. His newly formed cabinet comprises 28 ministers and includes secretaries of state, with an equal representation of women—an effort to showcase Canada’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance. Carney emphasized that the new team is geared towards delivering the “change Canadians want and need,” especially as the country navigates through challenging international relations and domestic reforms.
Anita Anand represents the Oakville East riding in the House of Commons, having secured her position during the 2025 federal election. Her political career began in 2019 when she was elected from the Oakville riding. Since then, she has served in several influential roles, including Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Minister of National Defence, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, and President of the Treasury Board. Her tenure as Defence Minister earned her national respect for her firm leadership and clear decision-making during times of crisis and military reform.
Born on May 20, 1967, in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Anita Anand is the daughter of Indian immigrants—her mother, Saroj D. Ram, hailing from Punjab, and her father, S.V. Anand, from Tamil Nadu. The family moved to Canada in the early 1960s. Anand grew up with two sisters, Gita and Sonia. At the age of 18, she moved to Ontario and began her academic journey in political science. She later obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Jurisprudence from Oxford University, followed by law degrees from Dalhousie University and the University of Toronto.
Before stepping into politics, Anand built a successful career in law, academia, and public service. She married Canadian lawyer and business executive John Knowlton in 1995, and the couple resides in Oakville with their four children. In 2019, she broke new ground by becoming the first Hindu to serve in Canada’s federal cabinet.
With her vast experience, disciplined approach, and deep-rooted commitment to public service, Anita Anand’s appointment as Canada’s Foreign Minister is not just a milestone for representation—it’s a powerful signal of Canada’s evolving global role under new leadership. Her journey from a small-town upbringing to one of the highest offices in the country is both inspiring and historic, setting a strong example for inclusive leadership in international diplomacy.
