Anita Anand Appointed Canada’s Foreign Minister

Anita Anand, an Indian-origin politician and the first Hindu woman to serve as Canada's Foreign Minister, has been appointed by Prime Minister Mark Carney, replacing Mélanie Joly in a significant cabinet reshuffle. Anand previously served as defence minister, where she played a key role in supporting Ukraine during the Russian invasion, and has held several other high-profile portfolios. Her appointment underscores the increasing influence of the Indian diaspora and maintains gender parity in the cabinet, with women comprising half of its members. Anand had recently considered a return to academia, but Carney convinced her to remain in politics following the Liberal Party's election victory. The new cabinet includes several fresh faces and faces pressing foreign policy challenges, particularly strained relations with the US and India. Anand took her oath with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita, highlighting her heritage and personal convictions.