In a sweeping cabinet overhaul aimed at delivering on his promise of “real change,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Anita Anand as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, signaling a strategic shift in Ottawa’s foreign policy direction. Anand, a seasoned politician of Indian origin, returns to the federal frontlines just months after announcing her exit from politics.
Anand’s appointment comes at a critical time as Canada seeks to repair fractured relations with India and navigate the complex dynamics of U.S. diplomacy under President Donald Trump. With tensions high and trade disputes unresolved, her diplomatic expertise will be tested from day one.
“We need fresh ideas, focused leadership, and bold action,” Carney said as he unveiled his 28-member cabinet, significantly leaner than former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 39-member ministry.
Among other key appointments, Maninder Sidhu will take charge of the International Trade portfolio, a pivotal role amid ongoing tariff battles with Washington. Two more leaders of Indian descent—Ruby Sahota and Randeep Sarai—have been named Secretaries of State, equivalent to junior ministers. Sahota, formerly in charge of democratic institutions, has been reassigned to oversee crime prevention, while Sarai will manage international development.
Anand, who previously held the defence and transport ministries, was coaxed back into the political fold by Carney following her re-election last month. Her predecessor, Melanie Joly, has been reassigned to a combined portfolio of Transport and Internal Trade, a position she once held before becoming foreign minister.
Joly’s tenure saw a dramatic deterioration in Indo-Canadian relations, particularly following her decision to expel six Indian diplomats over alleged links to the murder of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar—allegations New Delhi has denied. India responded with reciprocal expulsions, and ties between the two countries have remained strained ever since.
Carney, signaling a more measured approach, has described the relationship with India as “incredibly important,” and emphasized that there is a “path forward based on mutual respect.”
The reshuffle also marks a decline in representation for Canadians of Indian heritage. Former Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, who held the Emergency Preparedness portfolio in Trudeau’s cabinet, chose not to seek re-election. Arif Virani, previously Minister of Justice, and Kamal Khera, who oversaw inclusion and disability portfolios, were also omitted from the new lineup.
In another strategic move, Dominic LeBlanc has been tasked with managing the crucial Canada-U.S. trade relationship, an especially sensitive assignment amid growing trade tensions.
Meanwhile, Chrystia Freeland, who once served as Deputy Prime Minister and challenged Carney for Liberal leadership, has been given the Industry Ministry, a role that will see her shape Canada’s post-pandemic economic strategy.
The reshuffle gives Carney the opportunity to put his own stamp on the Liberal government, moving beyond the legacy of Trudeau’s administration. With a smaller, sharper cabinet, the focus is clearly on delivering policy results—and quickly.
