India has voiced concerns over Canada’s decision to block an Australian media outlet shortly after it broadcast a press conference featuring Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal accused Canada of double standards on free speech, stating that the blocking of Australia Today’s social media handles in Canada revealed “hypocrisy towards freedom of speech.” Jaiswal noted that the channel, a prominent media outlet for the Indian diaspora, was blocked within hours of airing Jaishankar’s joint press conference with Wong.
“We were surprised. It looks strange to us, but nonetheless, this action yet again highlights Canada’s double standards on free speech,” Jaiswal said during a weekly media briefing. He further noted that Jaishankar’s media interactions in Australia addressed Canada’s accusations against India without concrete evidence.
Jaishankar’s comments also raised concerns about the surveillance of Indian diplomats in Canada, which Jaiswal described as “unacceptable.” Additionally, he expressed concerns over Canada allowing space for anti-India elements.
According to Jaiswal, these remarks could have led to Australia Today being blocked, a move that India interprets as suppressive and in contradiction to Canada’s stated commitment to free speech.
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