MEA Slams Canada For Blocking Media During Jaishankar's Briefing

In a sharp diplomatic rebuke, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday condemned the Canadian government for blocking the Australian media outlet Australia Today during a press conference between India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra.

According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the move revealed Canada's hypocrisy when it comes to freedom of speech.

Photo Credit: PTI

Canada's Hypocrisy on Freedom of Speech

Jaiswal highlighted that the Australia Today channel was blocked just hours after it aired the press conference in which Jaishankar discussed key issues, including Canada's treatment of Indian diplomats. The blocking, he suggested, was a direct response to the criticism India has levelled at Canada for allowing anti-India elements to operate freely within its borders.

"We were surprised. It looks strange to us," Jaiswal remarked, underlining that Canada's actions contradicted its own stated principles of freedom of speech. He emphasized that this was part of a broader pattern of actions that undermined the ability of Indian officials to operate in a safe environment.

S. Jaishankar's Criticism of Canada

During his visit to Australia, EAM Jaishankar strongly criticized Canada for what he described as a failure to act against extremist forces operating on Canadian soil. One of the key issues Jaishankar raised was the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario. He also voiced concerns over Canada's lack of evidence in its allegations against Indian diplomats in relation to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

"The fact that our diplomats are under surveillance is unacceptable," Jaishankar asserted, stressing that such actions by Canada were jeopardizing India's diplomatic interests.

Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Between India and Canada

The dispute between India and Canada has escalated dramatically in recent weeks. The tension began after Canada claimed that senior Indian diplomats were "persons of interest" in the murder of Nijjar, which India dismissed as baseless and unfounded. In retaliation, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its high commissioner from Ottawa. Canada responded by expelling six Indian diplomats, further deepening the diplomatic rift.

Jaiswal's comments reinforced India's concerns over Canada's ongoing support for anti-India activities within its borders. He pointed out that these actions not only harmed diplomatic relations but also posed a direct threat to the safety of Indian diplomats.

A Continuing Diplomatic Standoff

As the situation continues to evolve, the blocking of the Australian media outlet serves as a stark reminder of the growing animosity between the two nations. With tensions mounting, there seems to be no immediate resolution in sight, as both countries continue to hold firm on their positions.

The diplomatic standoff highlights the increasingly fragile relationship between India and Canada, with both sides digging in their heels on key issues.