Anita Anand Returns to Cabinet as Foreign Minister Amid Canada-India Reset Plans

By siliconindia  |  Wednesday, 14 May 2025, 10:49:39 AM IST

Anita Anand Returns to Cabinet as Foreign Minister Amid Canada-India Reset Plans
  • Anita Anand appointed as Foreign Minister in Mark Carney's new cabinet.
  • Tasked with resetting strained relations with India and managing ties with the US.
  • Cabinet reduced from 39 to 28 ministers under Carney’s leadership.
In a significant reshuffle marking a new chapter in Canadian politics, Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Anita Anand as the country’s new Foreign Minister. The move is part of his newly unveiled 28-member cabinet aimed at fulfilling his promised 'mandate for change' following a surprise victory in last month’s federal elections.
Anand, a seasoned politician of Indian origin who previously held the transport and defence portfolios, had earlier announced her retirement from politics to return to academia. However, Carney successfully persuaded her to return to public service, entrusting her with one of the most critical ministries. A key part of her new role will be to steer a diplomatic reset with India, a relationship that has seen significant strain in recent years. Carney has described India as 'incredibly important' and emphasized the need for 'mutual respect and a path forward' between the two democracies.
In addition to Anand’s high-profile appointment, Maninder Sidhu has been named Minister for International Trade, reinforcing the Liberal government’s commitment to strengthening global economic partnerships. Two other politicians of Indian origin Ruby Sahota and Randeep Sarai have been appointed as secretaries of state, the equivalent of junior ministers. Sahota, formerly Minister of Democratic Institutions, will now oversee efforts to combat crime, while Sarai will handle international development.
Carney’s cabinet marks a distinct departure from that of his predecessor, Justin Trudeau. The new Prime Minister has reduced the number of ministers from 39 to 28, bringing in fresh faces and a streamlined team. Among the notable absences are three Indian-origin ministers from Trudeau’s cabinet who have not been retained: Arif Virani, Kamal Khera, and Harjit Singh Sajjan. Sajjan, a former Defence Minister and most recently responsible for Emergency Preparedness, did not contest the recent election.
Dominic LeBlanc has been appointed to oversee the crucial Canada-US trade portfolio amid ongoing tariff tensions with Washington. Relations with the United States, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration, remain a delicate issue, and Carney has called for 'clear focus and decisive action' from his team.
Chrystia Freeland, who previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister and had competed against Carney for party leadership, has been reassigned to the Industry Ministry. Meanwhile, Melanie Joly, whom Anand replaces at Foreign Affairs, has been moved to the Transport and Internal Trade portfolio.
Carney’s revamped cabinet reflects his intention to pivot Canadian foreign policy and domestic governance, with a focus on pragmatism, renewal, and strategic diplomacy particularly with India and the United States.

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