Daijiworld Media Network- Ottawa
Ottawa, May 14: In a significant reshuffle aimed at charting a new course for Canada’s foreign relations, Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday appointed Anita Anand as the country’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Indo-Canadian leader, who previously helmed the defence and transport portfolios, will now spearhead efforts to reset Canada's strained ties with India.
The appointment comes amid Carney’s promise of delivering a “mandate for change” following his recent electoral victory. In a trimmed-down cabinet of 28 members — a sharp cut from the 39 under his predecessor Justin Trudeau — Carney appears to be making a clear statement: streamlined governance with fresh ideas.
One of Anand’s foremost responsibilities will be to lead diplomatic efforts to rebuild relations with India, which soured significantly last year under former minister Melanie Joly. Joly had expelled six Indian diplomats alleging their involvement in the killing of Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a charge India vehemently denied. The tit-for-tat expulsions led to a near-freeze in bilateral ties.
With Carney openly stating that India-Canada relations are “incredibly important” and expressing optimism about “a path forward built on mutual respect,” Anand’s return to the political forefront is being seen as a strategic move. Notably, Anand had earlier announced her retirement from politics, choosing to return to academia. However, Carney successfully convinced her to stay on and assume the crucial foreign ministry role.
The cabinet also saw Maninder Sidhu take charge as the Minister for International Trade, while Ruby Sahota and Randeep Sarai were named Secretaries of State — Canada’s equivalent of Ministers of State. Sahota will now focus on combating crime, while Sarai has been tasked with overseeing international development.
The new cabinet notably includes fewer members of Indian origin compared to Trudeau’s. Harjit Singh Sajjan and Kamal Khera, both prominent faces in the previous government, have not been retained. Arif Virani, the former Justice Minister, has also been dropped.
Meanwhile, Dominic LeBlanc has been given charge of the crucial Canada-US trade portfolio, amidst ongoing tariff disputes with the United States. Chrystia Freeland, who had previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, will now handle the industry portfolio.
Addressing the media after unveiling his new team, Prime Minister Carney urged his ministers to “bring new ideas, a clear focus, and decisive actions” to their respective roles. With a leaner team and a renewed sense of purpose, the new administration is gearing up to tackle both domestic challenges and foreign policy resets, starting with one of its most crucial — restoring relations with India.