&w=3840&q=100)
Anita Anand, Randeep Sarai and Ruby Sahota: The Indian-origin members in Mark Carney's Cabinet
(Left to Right): Anita Anand, Randeep Sarai and Ruby Sahota. Image: AFP/X
Canadian politician Anita Anand took her oath of office with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita, a practice she has followed during previous Cabinet roles too.
The Hindu leader has now been made Canada's new foreign minister as part of a major Cabinet shake-up by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
However, she is not the only leader of Indian origin in the new team.
ALSO READ |
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Brampton East MP Maninder Sidhu, Brampton North MP Ruby Sahota, and Surrey Centre MP Randeep Singh Sarai have also been given roles in the new Cabinet led by Mark Carney.
In this explainer, we look at who these leaders are and what portfolios they have been given.
Here's a look:
Anita Anand
Mark Carney, who took over from Justin Trudeau earlier this year and won the recent election, has named Anita Anand as Canada's new foreign minister , replacing Melanie Joly.
After taking her oath, Anand posted on X: 'I am honoured to be named Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Mark Carney and our team to build a safer, fairer world and deliver for Canadians.'
WATCH | Anita Anand, of Indian origin, became Canada's Foreign Minister in the Mark Carney cabinet, taking her oath on the Bhagavad Gita.
This marks her as the first Hindu woman in the role
Source: AP #AnitaAnand #ForeignMinister #Canada #MarkCarneyCabinet pic.twitter.com/l5VnR87EjI — News18 (@CNNnews18) May 14, 2025
Anand is a Canadian lawyer, academic and politician. Over the years, she has held several key roles, including minister of defence, transport, and innovation, science and industry.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
She is also the first Hindu woman to become Canada's foreign minister.
Anand was born to Indian immigrant parents: her mother Saroj, a Tamil, and her father S V Anand, a Punjabi. Both were doctors. She grew up in Kentville, Nova Scotia
Her political journey began in 2019, when she was elected as the MP for Oakville, becoming the first Hindu woman to enter Canada's House of Commons.
Maninder Sidhu
Sidhu, who entered Parliament in 2019, has received his first Cabinet post as minister of international trade, a key role at a time of growing trade tensions with the United States.
The Brampton East MP had earlier served as parliamentary secretary to several ministers, including Dominic LeBlanc and Mary Ng.
Sidhu was born in Punjab and moved to Canada as a child. He was brought up in Brampton, which has a strong Punjabi community.
Sidhu is serving as the MP for Brampton East. X/@MSidhuLiberal
A business graduate from the University of Toronto, he worked in real estate and was active in community service before stepping into politics.
Since becoming an MP, Sidhu has spoken out in support of small businesses and pushed for more diverse trade ties, especially with India and the Indo-Pacific region.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
His Punjabi background and fluency in the language have helped him connect closely with Brampton's South Asian voters.
Ruby Sahota
Ruby Sahota, MP from Brampton North, has been appointed Secretary of State for Combatting Crime. In this role, she will assist the Minister of Public Safety.
Born in Toronto to Punjabi parents who moved from Punjab, Sahota's background has shaped her focus on community issues.
Congratulations, @rubysahotalib, on your appointment as Secretary of State (Combatting Crime). pic.twitter.com/Nzr9zXCrob — Liberal Party (@liberal_party) May 13, 2025
She studied law at the University of Saskatchewan and practised immigration and family law before entering public life.
First elected in 2015, Sahota became one of the first Indo-Canadian women in Parliament. She is known for her efforts on youth outreach and public safety, and has chaired the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Randeep Sarai
Randeep Sarai, MP for Surrey Centre, has served in Parliament since 2015, but this is his first time joining Cabinet.
He has been appointed Secretary of State for International Development, where he will help lead Canada's efforts in foreign aid and global cooperation.
I'm honoured to have been sworn in as Secretary of State for International Development. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/aBlpRh5Y1A — Randeep S. Sarai (@randeepssarai) May 13, 2025
Over the years, Sarai has served as parliamentary secretary for veterans affairs and chaired the House justice committee.
His involvement in the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration will add to his new responsibilities, which include managing development aid programmes in South Asia.
Indian-origin MPs in House of Commons
The 2025 Canadian federal election saw a record number of Indian-origin leaders enter Parliament, with 22 candidates of Indian descent winning seats in the House of Commons. In total, 65 Indian-origin candidates had contested the polls across different parties.
In the previous House of Commons, there were 17 MPs of Indian origin.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Notably, Jagmeet Singh, born to Punjabi immigrants, stepped down as the New Democratic Party (NDP) leader after losing his Burnaby Central seat to Wade Chang of the Liberal Party.
How did other Indian-origin candidates fare?
In Edmonton Southeast, Liberal candidate Amarjeet Sohi lost to Conservative candidate Jagsharan Singh Mahal. Meanwhile, Liberal leader Sukh Dhaliwal held on to his Surrey Newton seat.
Jayesh Brahmbhatt of the People's Party was defeated in the Brampton-Chinguacousy Park constituency. In Brampton West, Liberal candidate Kamal Khera lost, while Conservative candidate Shuv Majumdar secured a win in Calgary Heritage. Also, Priti Obhrai Martin, representing the Liberal Party, was defeated in Calgary East.
Over 10 ministers from the previous Cabinet were not retained this time, including former defence minister Bill Blair. Women continue to make up half of the Cabinet, as was the case under Justin Trudeau.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said the new Cabinet has been formed to bring the change Canadians are looking for. This is the Liberal Party's fourth term in power.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
6 minutes ago
- India.com
'India is a global power, Trump's sanctions will only....': Russia praises India amid pressure from US for purchasing Russian oil
Russia-India relations India-Russia relations: In a significant development amid the recent tensions between India and US on the issue of Indian exports to US and import of Russian crude oil, Charge d'Affaires of the Russian Embassy in India Roman Babushkin has said that India is a global power with a diversified foreign policy. Adding that India is a leading economic country, Babushkin said that Russia remains committed to resolve any problems even during challenges. Here are all the details you need to know about what the Charge d'Affaires of the Russian Embassy has said on India-Russia relations and the recent geopolitical tensions. What Russian Embassy said on Putin-Trump Alaska meet and its impact on India? 'There are so many rumours and speculations about this summit in Alaska, which took place on the 15th of August. In fact, it was a breakthrough development, because you would see the leaders of the leading global powers sitting together and having a very warm, deep and very prolonged conversation. The agenda was a diversified one. We are absolutely not about to link it to just one particular question. We talk about the restoration of relations between Russia and the US. And for that, rebuilding trust is one of the most significant tasks', Roman Babushkin was quoted as saying on the Alaska as per a report carried by news agency ANI. Roman Babushkin also said that Russia-India have been facing this problem of sanctions for many years, but their trade is only growing. Story Highlights Russian Embassy has indicated that Russia-India trade is growing despite all concerns. It has also indicated that Russia remains committed to resolve any problems even during challenges. On Russia-US relations, Charge d'Affaires of the Russian Embassy in India said that rebuilding trust is one of the most significant tasks. What Russia thinks on US imposing more tariffs on India? 'And as far as we heard here in the mission after this meeting, which was, according to assessments by President Trump, very successful and very positive, I think I heard that he decided not to impose an extra 25 per cent on India, according to media reports. I didn't see other reports,' he stated on the Trump tariffs on India.
The Hindu
6 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Elaborate arrangements for Vinayaka Chathurthi as over 2,300 idols permitted across Coimbatore district
The Coimbatore City Police and the Coimbatore District (Rural) Police are making elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Vinayaka Chathurthi celebrations across the district. A little over 2,300 large-size Vinayaka idols will be allowed for installation in public places across the district this year. The city police have given permission for the installation of a total of 712 Vinayaka idols (three feet and above) at various locations, after scrutinising requests from political parties, Hindu organisations and other forums. Coimbatore City Police Commissioner A. Saravana Sundar, Deputy Commissioners of Police N. Devanathan (North) and G. Karthikeyan (South) held discussions with stakeholders for the smooth conduct of the celebrations, processions and immersion of idols in waterbodies. The city police on Wednesday held peace meetings with representatives from various jamaths and Hindu organisations in view of Vinayaka Chathurthi. Sources said BJP leader K. Annamalai is expected to take part in the celebrations at Thudiyalur in city limits. Officials with the district police said a little over 1,600 Vinayaka idols would be permitted in rural limits. More than 1,700 large-size idols were immersed in various waterbodies in the rural areas last year. Coimbatore District Superintendent of Police K. Karthikeyan was overseeing the arrangements in coordination with officials in the six sub-divisions – Pollachi, Valparai, Periyanaickenpalayam, Perur, Karumathampatti and Mettupalayam.
Time of India
6 minutes ago
- Time of India
Russian diplomat tells Donald Trump ‘friends don't behave like that' as Moscow opens doors to Indian exports amid US tariffs
India-Russia relations remain on solid ground despite U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, according to Russian Charge d'Affaires Roman Babushkin. Speaking at a press briefing, the diplomat underlined Moscow's support for Indian exports, defended oil trade between the two nations, and questioned Washington's idea of 'friendship.' India-Russia ties described as uninterrupted Opening his remarks in Hindi, Babushkin described India-Russia relations as uninterrupted and expanding. He noted that mutual respect has been central to the partnership, stretching across energy and defence. He also pointed to the possibility of reviving the Russia-India-China trilateral dialogue as a counterweight to Western influence. Response to Trump's tariffs In a direct reference to Trump's tariff measures, Babushkin questioned the U.S. approach towards India. Despite Trump calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'friend,' Washington imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods. 'The sanctions are a tool of unlawful competition… Friends don't behave like that,' Babushkin said, stressing that sanctions signal double standards and pressure rather than cooperation. Russian markets open to Indian goods With U.S. tariffs limiting Indian access, Babushkin announced Russia's willingness to expand trade with India. 'If Indian goods cannot go to the U.S. market, they can head to Russia,' he said. Bilateral trade between India and Russia reached $68.7 billion in 2024–25, with India exporting goods worth $4.88 billion. He added that criticism from the West often means India and Russia are 'doing something right,' pointing out that bilateral trade has grown sevenfold despite sanctions. Oil trade and U.S. concerns Much of Washington's criticism has been linked to India's purchase of Russian oil, which accounts for about 40 percent of its imports. Babushkin said reducing oil imports would not ensure fair cooperation with the West, which he described as acting in a neocolonial manner. He highlighted that Russian oil sales to India come at a five percent discount, with Indian refiners resuming purchases after a brief pause. 'India understands there is no chance to change supplies right now, and the profit is very high,' he added. Revival of the RIC dialogue Looking ahead, Babushkin said Russia is hopeful of reviving the Russia-India-China trilateral dialogue. Initiated in the late 1990s but dormant for years, the framework could help strengthen regional stability. With India-China ties showing signs of improvement, Moscow sees the format as timely. The Russian diplomat's comments served as a clear signal: Moscow views India as a long-term partner, while Trump's tariff measures have raised questions about the U.S. approach to friendship. With open markets, energy cooperation, and trilateral engagement, India-Russia ties remain resilient. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
