India has accused Canada of hypocrisy after the Canadian government blocked an Australian media outlet for showing a press conference featuring India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong. The incident occurred just hours after the press interaction in Canberra, where Jaishankar voiced concerns about Canada’s alleged support for anti-India elements and surveillance of Indian diplomats.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, expressed surprise and disappointment at the blocking of the Australia Today channel, stating that it highlighted Canada’s double standards regarding freedom of speech. He pointed out that the outlet was an important channel for the Indian diaspora in Canada.
During the press interaction, Jaiswal highlighted Jaishankar’s earlier statements in which he had criticized Canada for making baseless allegations against India without providing any concrete evidence. He also pointed out that Jaishankar had condemned the surveillance of Indian diplomats in Canada, calling it unacceptable.
Jaishankar’s criticisms stemmed from the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, which has led to strained relations between the two countries. Canadian authorities have accused senior Indian diplomats of being ‘persons of interest’ in the case, further escalating tensions.
In his remarks in Australia, Jaishankar also raised concerns about the space being provided to extremist forces in Canada. He highlighted the attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, which he said reflected the broader political climate in Canada.
The blocking of the Australia Today channel has further exacerbated tensions between India and Canada. It is a significant development that highlights the deep-seated differences between the two countries, particularly in the context of the ongoing investigation into Nijjar’s murder and the broader issue of extremism within the Canadian Sikh community.
The incident raises serious questions about Canada’s commitment to freedom of speech and its willingness to engage in diplomatic dialogue with India. The blocking of a media outlet simply for airing critical views of the Canadian government sets a dangerous precedent and further complicates the already strained relationship between the two countries.
