Dhaliwal, who held the Canadian cabinet post from 1997 to 2004, said: "It reflects a new Canada which is leading the world in inclusiveness. It makes me feel proud that we created an opening and today we have four cabinet ministers. People in India must be proud of it."

Ajit Someshwar, chairman of the Canada India Foundation (CIF), said, "Prime Minister Justin Trudeau must be commended for achieving gender parity and for reflecting Canada's ethnic diversity in his cabinet. The inclusion of four members of Indian origin in the cabinet, out of a record total 19 Indo-Canadian MPs elected, is a matter of great pride for all Indo-Canadians."

He said, "The appointment of four ministers is a good start for the inclusion of other communities."

Stressing the conclusion of the long-impending free trade treaty between India and Canada, Someshwar said, "We hope that Prime Minister Trudeau will continue to enhance relationship with India and boost bilateral trade between the two countries which still remains far below potential. The Canada India Foundation will support the new government in achieving this objective."