India Slams Canada’s Block on Australian News Outlet After Jaishankar’s Press Conference

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Nov. India has condemned the blocking of social media pages of Australian news outlet Australia Today in Canada, calling it a demonstration of Canada’s hypocrisy toward freedom of speech. The move followed the outlet’s coverage of a press conference between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, along with an interview of Jaishankar.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed surprise at the incident, which occurred hours after the press conference was aired. “These actions highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech,” Jaiswal said, referring to Canada’s handling of India-related issues, including unsubstantiated allegations and surveillance of Indian diplomats. He pointed out that during his Australia visit, Jaishankar had condemned such actions by Canada, citing the growing political space for anti-India elements in the country.

The blocking of Australia Today’s social media presence comes amid strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada. Last week, India had protested Canada’s audio and video surveillance of consular officials, calling it a violation of diplomatic conventions. Additionally, some consular camps in Toronto were canceled due to security concerns following the November 3 attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, where one such camp was being held.

Tensions escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s unfounded accusation last year that “Indian agents” were involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India rejected the allegation and demanded evidence, while also expelling six Canadian diplomats following the latest controversy involving the Indian High Commissioner.