India calls out Canada over hypocrisy on free speech after censorship of EAM S Jaishankar's remarks

New Delhi: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday voiced strong disapproval of the Canadian government after it allegedly blocked an Australian media outlet, Australia Today, from broadcasting coverage of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s joint press conference. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the action a “hypocrisy towards freedom of speech” by the Canadian government.

Allegations of Censorship and Freedom of Speech Hypocrisy

During the press conference, Jaiswal stated that the Australian outlet, which is popular among the Indian diaspora, had its social media presence restricted in Canada shortly after broadcasting the event. "We understand that the social media handles and pages of this particular outlet, which is an important diaspora outlet, have been blocked and are not available for viewers in Canada," he said, adding that the timing of the restriction seemed suspicious. Jaiswal noted, “This happened just an hour or few hours after this particular handle carried the press conference of EAM Dr. S Jaishankar with Penny Wong… these actions highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech.”

Jaishankar’s Concerns About Anti-India Sentiments in Canada

At the press event, Jaishankar brought attention to Canada’s perceived leniency towards anti-India elements within its borders, claiming that “political space was being given to extremist forces” in Canada. The Australian media’s ban, Jaiswal suggested, might be linked to this criticism, sparking further concerns about Canada’s stance on freedom of expression.

India’s Accusations of Surveillance and Double Standards

Jaishankar also highlighted Canada’s tendency to “make allegations without evidence” and raised concerns over reports of Indian diplomats being placed under Canadian surveillance. He stated, “Our diplomats being under surveillance is something which is unacceptable.” The situation has led to an escalating diplomatic standoff, with both nations calling out each other’s actions and intentions.

Relations between India and Canada have been strained, particularly following allegations from Canada that senior Indian diplomats were implicated in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This latest censorship incident adds fuel to the ongoing diplomatic tensions, raising broader questions about Canada’s commitment to unbiased media coverage and freedom of expression for its diaspora communities.