Canada Blocks Australian Outlet Airing Jaishankar Remarks, India Criticizes Censorship
Bilateral relations between India and Canada have taken a further hit as Canada blocked access to an Australian news outlet, The Australia Today, after it aired a press conference by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
In the press briefing, held in Canberra alongside Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Jaishankar made pointed remarks on India’s strained relations with Canada, especially concerning Ottawa’s handling of Khalistan extremists.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed its surprise and disappointment over Canada’s move, labeling it a “strange” decision that exposes Canada’s “hypocrisy towards freedom of speech.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked that blocking access to a key diaspora platform in Canada underlines a contradiction in Canada’s stance on free expression.
Diplomatic Tensions Deepen Over Khalistan Issue
During the joint press conference, Jaishankar addressed escalating tensions between India and Canada, reiterating that Canada had previously leveled allegations against India regarding the death of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar without offering substantive evidence. He further criticized Canada’s practice of placing Indian diplomats under surveillance, calling it “unacceptable.” Jaishankar also expressed concern about the political space Canada has allowed for extremist elements, urging attention to video evidence of these incidents.
Consular Services Disrupted Amid Security Concerns
Following the news block, the MEA also announced the cancellation of scheduled consular camps in Canada, citing Canadian authorities’ inability to guarantee security at these events. This development follows heightened concerns over safety for Indian citizens and organizations in Canada, particularly in light of increasing tensions surrounding pro-Khalistan movements.
The timing of the block sparked swift reactions from users in Canada, who questioned the motivation behind the move and its implications for press freedom. Despite being part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, alongside the U.S., U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, Canada’s latest action has raised eyebrows, with both Indian and international observers questioning the impact on the India-Canada relationship.
