Who is Anita Anand? The New Indian-Origin Foreign Minister of Canada

Anita Anand, a seasoned Canadian politician with deep roots in law and academia, has been appointed Foreign Minister in May 2025. With extensive cabinet experience and a history of leading during crises, her new role symbolizes inclusive leadership and positions her as a central figure in Canada’s evolving global strategy.

May 14, 2025, 15:38 IST
Who is Anita Anand? The New Indian-Origin Foreign Minister of Canada
Who is Anita Anand? The New Indian-Origin Foreign Minister of Canada

Anita Indira Anand was recently appointed as the Foreign Minister of Canada by the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Anita Anand will take the place of Melanie Joly, who will be serving as the Minister of Industry post this announcement.

The Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney announced a 38 member cabinet, which has 28 ministers and 10 Secretaries of State. After the announcement of the new cabinet, Carney specified the government’s top priorities i.e. creating new economic and security relationships with the United States, handling the cost of living and strengthening Canada’s economy.

Anita Anand is a well known lawyer, academic, and politician. She worked as Canada’s Defence Minister, Transport Minister, and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry until now.

She had Indian immigrant doctor parents; they moved to Canada in the 1960s. Anand was born in Kentville, Nova Scotia. Her father belongs to Tamil Nadu and her mother comes from Punjab. She has two sisters, Gita and Sonia.

Anita Anand: Education

Anita Anand is a mother of 4 children according to Liberal Party Canada. She holds three bachelor’s degree (Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Political Studies from Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Jurisprudence from the University of Oxford, and a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University), and a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto.

Political Career and Major Portfolio

  • Anand was initially elected as the Member of Parliament for Oakville in 2019 and re-elected in 2021.
  • She has served a number of prominent cabinet portfolios:
  • Minister of Public Services and Procurement: Oversaw contract negotiations to obtain vaccines, personal protective equipment, and rapid tests in the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Minister of National Defence: Led efforts to combat sexual misconduct and implement cultural change in the Canadian Armed Forces, and commanded Canada's military assistance for Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
  • President of the Treasury Board: Directed a pan-government review of spending and an effort to unburden business from red tape.
  • Minister of Transport: Presided over Canada's inaugural high-speed rail initiative and achieved progress on phasing out interprovincial trade barriers.
  • She was most recently Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

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Foreign Minister Appointment

Anand was sworn in as Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs in May 2025, becoming the first Indian-origin and Hindu woman to occupy this vital portfolio. She was sworn in on the Bhagavad Gita, a practice she continued from past cabinet appointments, reflecting her cultural background and personal values.

Her appointment is made at a time of complicated global challenges, such as tense relations with India and constant tensions with the United States.

Leadership in Times of Crisis

As Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Anand's leadership was crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Canada was able to acquire crucial medical supplies and vaccines.

As Defence Minister, she spearheaded reforms to combat misconduct within the military and was instrumental in Canada's reaction to international security crises, including the war in Ukraine.

Community Involvement and Personal Life

Anand is actively engaged with her community, having been a member of the boards of the Lighthouse Foundation for Grieving Children, Oakville Hospital Foundation, and Oakville Hydro Electricity Distribution Inc. She and her husband, John, have brought up four children in Oakville, Ontario.

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Significance and Legacy

Anand's appointment as Foreign Minister is greeted by many, particularly the Indian and Hindu communities in Canada, as a sign of representation and an inspiration.

Her varied experience over several ministries and her crisis management skills make her a key player in defining Canada's foreign policy at a pivotal moment.

Anita Anand's ascent from Nova Scotia countryside to the very top of Canadian government is a testament to hard work, competence, and public service dedication. As Foreign Minister, she is poised to take a pivotal role in navigating Canada's international affairs and furthering its interests on the global arena.

Kirti Sharma
Kirti Sharma

Content Writer

Kirti Sharma is a content writing professional with 3 years of experience in the EdTech Industry and Digital Content. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and worked with companies like ThoughtPartners Global, Infinite Group, and MIM-Essay. She writes for the General Knowledge and Current Affairs section of JagranJosh.com.

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