Anita Anand, the Indian-origin Canadian politician appointed as Canada’s new foreign minister, is a practising Hindu. Her religious identity was once again on quiet yet dignified display as she took her oath of office with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita—a tradition she has maintained since her first Cabinet appointment in 2019.Anand’s appointment is part of a sweeping reshuffle by newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has replaced key Trudeau-era ministers in an attempt to deliver on his promise of a “fresh start.” As foreign minister, Anand now holds one of the most powerful positions in Canada’s federal government—tasked with steering diplomacy at a time of growing tensions with the United States and an increasingly turbulent global order.Born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, in 1967, Anand is the daughter of Indian immigrants—her mother hailing from Punjab and her father from Tamil Nadu. Despite growing up in a predominantly white region of Canada, Anand retained strong cultural and religious ties. Over the years, she has spoken of the values instilled in her by her parents, particularly a commitment to education, integrity, and public service.Her use of the Gita during official ceremonies has become a quiet hallmark of her political journey. It reflects a personal grounding in Hindu philosophy—particularly the principles of dharma (duty) and seva (service)—that have shaped her approach to governance. On Mother’s Day this year, Anand visited the Vaishno Devi Temple in Oakville, posting on X: “It warmed my heart to see so many families across #Oakville coming to celebrate and remember our mothers together.”Anand first entered Parliament in 2019, winning the Oakville seat for the Liberal Party. She quickly rose through the ranks, earning praise for her role in overseeing Canada’s vaccine procurement strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, as defence minister, she was widely respected for her steady leadership during crises, including military reforms and global security challenges.With her return to Cabinet, Anand becomes the first Hindu to serve as Canada’s foreign minister. Her appointment is being viewed as both a recognition of her competence and a reflection of the changing face of Canadian politics. Carney’s new Cabinet, which features 28 ministers and includes secretaries of state, has been praised for balancing experience, gender equality, and ethnic diversity. Half of the Cabinet members are women, and several, like Anand, come from immigrant backgrounds.Political observers say Anand’s legal acumen, international experience, and calm demeanour make her well-suited for the role, especially as Canada prepares to navigate complex trade negotiations and global realignments. Prime Minister Carney has promised a tougher stance against Donald Trump’s protectionist trade policies, and Anand is expected to play a central role in articulating Canada’s foreign policy posture.Despite previously signalling that she might step away from politics, the fall of Justin Trudeau’s government and the rise of Carney’s Liberals appear to have brought Anand back into the fold at a critical moment. Her return has been welcomed across party lines, with even political opponents acknowledging her competence and integrity.
