Anita Anand as Canada's Foreign Minister Faces India Test

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Anita Anand Appointed Canada’s Foreign Minister: A Historic Milestone with Deep Indian Roots

By TRH News Desk

NEW DELHI, May 16, 2025 – Anita Anand, a prominent Canadian politician and lawyer, has been appointed as Canada’s Foreign Minister, marking a historic milestone as the first visible minority and Hindu woman to hold this position.

The announcement, made following the 2025 federal election, has drawn significant attention not only for its symbolic importance but also for Anand’s deep connections to India, rooted in her family’s legacy.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh shared a poignant anecdote on X, highlighting the appointment’s historical significance: “The paternal grandfather of Anita Anand, who has just been appointed Canada’s Foreign Minister, was V. A. Sundaram. Sundaram was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi since 1915.”|

He further stated that “in 1931, in the run-up to the Second Round Table Conference during Sept-Dec 1931 in London that he attended, Gandhiji sent Sundaram to Europe to spread the message of India’s independence”.

“In Potsdam near Berlin, Sundaram met Einstein, who then wrote to Gandhiji for the first time on Sept 17, 1931. This letter was then replied to a month later from London. This exchange is fascinating,” added Ramesh.

Sundaram was also an important part of BHU for years and had been an aide to Madan Mohan Malaviya as well, said the Congress leader.

Anand’s appointment comes at a critical juncture in Canada-India relations, strained by issues like the Khalistani movement and the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Her Indian heritage, particularly her grandfather’s role in India’s independence movement, adds a layer of complexity and potential to her diplomatic role.

A. Sundaram, born in 1896, was a key figure in the freedom struggle, working closely with Gandhi and later becoming a confidant of Madan Mohan Malaviya at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). His meeting with Albert Einstein in 1931, facilitated by Gandhi’s directive to spread the independence message in Europe, led to a significant correspondence between Einstein and Gandhi, underscoring Sundaram’s influence.

There is a sense of euphoria in some quarters over her appointment, as @CanadaIndiaWatch tweeted, “Anita Anand’s appointment as Foreign Minister is a game-changer. Her grandfather’s legacy with Gandhi and Einstein adds a unique dimension to her role, potentially fostering deeper engagement with India.”

Anand’s appointment coincides with a period of strained relations between Canada and India, exacerbated by the 2023 killing of Nijjar, a Khalistani activist, and subsequent allegations of Indian involvement.

The Canadian government’s response, including the expulsion of Indian diplomats, has further complicated ties. Anand’s role as Foreign Minister will be crucial in addressing these tensions, with her Indian heritage potentially offering a unique perspective.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Canada and the Canada Hindu Advocacy Coalition have welcomed her appointment, seeing it as a source of inspiration for the Canadian Hindu community.

However, Sikh groups have expressed reservations, with some calling for clarity on her stance regarding the Nijjar case and Khalistani demands. Experts suggest that Anand’s ability to balance these dynamics will be key to her success.

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