Who Is Anita Anand? Meet Canada’s New Indian-Origin Face in Foreign Policy

Anita Anand, a prominent Indian-origin Canadian politician, has been appointed as Canada’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs in a major cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Mark Carney. This makes her the first Hindu woman to hold the top diplomat post in Canada’s history. She took her oath of office with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita, symbolizing her Hindu faith. The cabinet reshuffle follows Carney’s electoral victory in April 2025, replacing Justin Trudeau. Anand, previously planning a return to academia, was persuaded by Carney to rejoin politics and take on the challenging foreign affairs role amid strained ties with India and delicate relations with the US under President Donald Trump.

Why in the News?

On May 14, 2025, Indian-origin Canadian politician Anita Anand was appointed as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada by Prime Minister Mark Carney, succeeding Mélanie Joly, who was moved to the Industry Ministry. Anand’s appointment marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first Hindu woman to hold the prestigious position of Canada’s top diplomat.

Political Journey and Leadership Roles

• Elected to Parliament in 2019, representing Oakville, Ontario as a member of the Liberal Party.

Held multiple high-profile cabinet roles, including,

• Minister of Public Services and Procurement (2019–2021) – spearheaded Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine procurement strategy.
• Minister of National Defence (2021–2023) – managed Canada’s military aid to Ukraine during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• Minister of Transport (2023–2024) – focused on modernizing infrastructure, addressing urban congestion and climate challenges.
• President of the Treasury Board – promoted transparency, fiscal responsibility, and accountability in governance.

Her return to the cabinet came as a surprise, as she had earlier announced plans to return to academia. However, Prime Minister Carney reportedly persuaded her to remain in politics and take charge of foreign affairs during a crucial period.

Foreign Minister Appointment in 2025

• Appointed by PM Mark Carney in May 2025.
• Replaces Mélanie Joly, moved to the Ministry of Industry.
• Took oath of office with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita, affirming her Hindu identity.
• Becomes the first Hindu woman and one of the few women of Indian-origin to lead Canada’s foreign policy.

Significance

• Anand took her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita, symbolizing her Hindu heritage and affirming her identity.
• Her appointment comes at a time when Canada is navigating complex foreign policy terrain, including:
• Strained ties with India following diplomatic tensions under the previous Trudeau administration.
• Evolving relations with the United States, especially under the renewed presidency of Donald Trump.
• Analysts see her Indian background as potentially helpful in rebuilding Canada-India relations.

Major Responsibilities and Diplomatic Challenges

Managing Canada-India Relations

• One of her key responsibilities will be to reset strained ties with India.
• Relations had deteriorated under Trudeau’s government, especially over diplomatic and intelligence-related tensions.
• Her Indian roots and Hindu background may offer symbolic and diplomatic value in improving dialogue with New Delhi.

Balancing Relations with the United States

• Will also manage sensitive relations with the US amid Trump’s America-first approach.
• Canada’s sovereignty and trade interests are at stake, requiring skilled diplomacy to avoid friction with Washington.

Background and Personal Life

Academic Excellence

• Bachelor’s in Political Studies – Queen’s University (1989)
• BA in Jurisprudence – Oxford University
• LLB – Dalhousie University
• LLM – University of Toronto
• Former law professor at Yale, Queen’s University, and Western University.
• Expert in financial regulation and corporate governance.

Family and Roots

• Born May 20, 1967, in Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada.
• Parents migrated from India in the early 1960s:
• Father: SV Anand, a surgeon from Tamil Nadu.
• Mother: Saroj Anand, an anesthesiologist from Punjab.
• Grandfather VA Sundaram was a freedom fighter in India’s independence movement.
• Married to John Knowlton, a Canadian lawyer and executive; they have four children.

Notable Achievements and Contributions

As Minister of Public Services and Procurement,

• COVID-19 Vaccine Procurement
• Led negotiations for vaccine purchases and PPE supply chains.
• Helped Canada achieve one of the highest vaccination rates globally by mid-2021.

Reforming the Military

As Defence Minister,

• Delivered military aid to Ukraine.
• Addressed sexual misconduct in the Armed Forces.
• Procured new warships and aircraft to strengthen military readiness.
• Championed cultural reforms and leadership accountability in the Canadian military.

Transport Modernization

Focused on,

• Improving urban transport infrastructure.
• Promoting green transportation solutions.
• Tackling climate change through policy innovation.

Legacy and Future Prospects

A progressive voice in Canadian politics, she advocates for,

• Gender equality
• LGBTQ+ rights
• Social justice
• Cultural diversity
• Her return to politics after initially deciding to exit reflects strong leadership trust from Prime Minister Carney.
• With Canada navigating global uncertainties, Anand’s experience, intellect, and heritage position her as a bridge between the West and the Global South.
• Anita Anand’s appointment symbolizes a new chapter in Canadian diplomacy, marked by experience, diversity, and a bold vision for global engagement.

Reactions and Analysis

Political commentators have welcomed the appointment, noting that Anand brings intellectual rigor, strategic thinking, and multicultural sensitivity to the role.

Foreign policy expert Prof. Alan Schriver remarked,

• “In a globalized world, representation matters. Anita Anand’s appointment not only marks a symbolic win for diversity but also a practical move, given her legal expertise and international exposure.”

Opposition leaders also expressed support, emphasizing the need for a seasoned hand in managing Canada’s global standing.