India Condemns Canada for Blocking Australian Channel Over Jaishankar’s Press Conference

New Delhi: India has criticized Canada for blocking an Australian media outlet, The Australia Today, after it aired a press conference featuring India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar and his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, in Canberra. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denounced the move, calling it hypocritical and an attack on freedom of speech.

According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, The Australia Today, a prominent diaspora media outlet, had its social media handles and pages blocked in Canada shortly after broadcasting the press conference. Jaiswal stated that the timing raised questions about Canada’s commitment to freedom of expression. “This happened just an hour or few hours after this particular handle carried the press conference… It looks strange to us. Nonetheless, these actions highlight Canada’s hypocrisy towards freedom of speech,” Jaiswal said during a press briefing.

During the press conference in Australia, Jaishankar addressed growing concerns over Canada’s actions and its approach towards anti-India groups within its borders. He highlighted three main issues: Canada’s unsubstantiated allegations against India, the alleged surveillance of Indian diplomats in Canada, and the political space given to anti-India elements within Canadian society. “These are serious concerns, and one can draw conclusions as to why The Australia Today was blocked by Canada,” Jaiswal added.

The blocking of The Australia Today comes amid heightened tensions between India and Canada, following accusations by Canadian authorities against Indian diplomats in connection to the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has categorically denied these allegations and emphasized the need for credible evidence.

Jaishankar also condemned recent attacks on Indian sites in Canada, including a Hindu temple in Brampton. He questioned Canada’s approach to security, citing the need to protect diplomatic personnel from alleged surveillance and prevent the spread of extremism. “For us, the surveillance of our diplomats in Canada is unacceptable. The space given to extremist forces is evident,” he stated.

The India-Canada relationship, already strained, has suffered further setbacks as both nations grapple with issues concerning sovereignty, diplomatic safety, and the promotion of extremist agendas.

4o