Anita Anand's appointment as Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs marks a historic moment, as she becomes the first Hindu and first visible minority to hold this position. The appointment came as part of a major cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Anand, who has previously served as Canada's Defence Minister, Minister of Transport, and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, replaces Mélanie Joly, who will now serve as the Minister of Industry.
Born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, to Indian immigrant parents, Anand has a distinguished background in law, academics, and public service. Her mother is from Punjab, and her father is from Tamil Nadu. She holds degrees from Queen's University, the University of Oxford, Dalhousie University, and the University of Toronto. Anand's career includes overseeing Canada's procurement of vaccines and personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic and playing a key role in Canada's military aid to Ukraine.
Following her swearing-in, Anand expressed her honor in being named Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs and conveyed her commitment to collaborating with Prime Minister Carney and the team to foster a safer and fairer world for Canadians. Carney's new 38-member cabinet, which includes 28 ministers and 10 secretaries of state, is focused on strengthening economic and security relationships with the United States, tackling the rising cost of living, and bolstering Canada's economy.
One of the significant challenges Anand faces in her new role is navigating the complex relationship between Canada and India. Relations between the two countries have been strained since 2023, following allegations of India's involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan separatist, on Canadian soil. This led to diplomatic expulsions and a freeze in bilateral cooperation.
However, there are signs that both countries are willing to work towards a reset in their relationship. Prime Minister Carney has emphasized the need for pragmatic diplomacy and rebuilding trust with India, recognizing its importance as a major global economy. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has also expressed a desire to rebuild ties based on mutual trust and sensitivity. Recent developments include renewed contact between India's National Investigation Agency and Canada's Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and a visit by Canada's spy chief to India. There is even speculation that the 2025 G7 Summit in Canada could be the venue for a formal thaw in relations.
Despite the diplomatic tensions, trade between India and Canada has remained resilient. In 2022, India was Canada's 10th largest trading partner. Key sectors for bilateral trade include pharmaceuticals, technology, agriculture, energy, and services. Both countries can benefit from strengthening their economic ties, particularly as they navigate the evolving global trade landscape.
Meanwhile, Chrystia Freeland, who ran against Carney for the Liberal leadership, remains in the cabinet as Minister of Transport and Internal Trade. She also served as the Deputy Prime Minister under Trudeau from 2019 to 2024.
Anita Anand's appointment as Foreign Minister signals a new chapter in Canadian foreign policy. Her background and experience position her to address the challenges and opportunities facing Canada on the global stage, including the critical task of resetting relations with India.
