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India slams Canada for censoring Australian media outlet over Minister's remarks
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking to reporters, labeled the move “hypocrisy,” accusing Canada of undermining freedom of expression.
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MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal / Image- MEA
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) criticized Canada on Nov. 7 for blocking access to Australia Today, an Australian media outlet, after it aired a press briefing featuring Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking to reporters, labeled the move “hypocrisy,” accusing Canada of undermining freedom of expression. Jaishankar’s remarks at the briefing included criticisms of Canada’s handling of anti-India elements and reports of Indian diplomats facing surveillance on Canadian soil.
According to Jaiswal, Australia Today’s social media handles were suddenly restricted in Canada shortly after airing Jaishankar’s remarks. “We understand that the social media pages of this diaspora outlet are not accessible in Canada following its broadcast of the EAM’s joint press conference with Penny Wong,” Jaiswal stated, calling the restriction “strange” and underscoring Canada’s inconsistent stance on free speech.
“EAM highlighted three issues: Canada’s repeated accusations against India without evidence, unacceptable surveillance of our diplomats, and the political space provided in Canada to anti-India forces,” Jaiswal said.
Jaishankar also condemned the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, citing Canada’s failure to curb extremist activities. “What happened at the Hindu temple in Canada was deeply concerning,” he said, calling for greater accountability from Canadian authorities.
Responding to additional questions, Jaiswal confirmed the cancellation of an Indian consular camp in Brampton due to the lack of security assurances from Canada, emphasizing that Indian diplomats have faced growing threats in the country over the past year. “We requested security, but it was not provided,” he noted.
Relations between India and Canada have soured in recent months, especially after Canadian leaders alleged Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar—claims India has dismissed as “absurd and baseless.”
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