India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently claimed that Canada blocked an Australian news outlet called Australia Today right after it aired a press conference with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticised this move by Canada, calling it unfair and hypocritical, as it seems to go against the principle of freedom of speech.
Jaiswal said that Canada blocked the social media accounts and pages of Australia Today, which is an important news source for the Indian community abroad. He pointed out that this happened only "an hour or a few hours" after Australia Today aired the press conference. Jaiswal stated that India does not approve of this action, as it raises doubts about Canada’s support for free speech.
"We were surprised. It looks strange to us," Jaiswal commented at the weekly media briefing, adding that the move highlighted "the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech."
In the press conference, several sensitive topics were discussed, including Canada’s recent accusations against India related to the killing of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Jaishankar, speaking in Australia, stated three main issues: Canada’s repeated accusations against India without clear proof, the monitoring of Indian diplomats in Canada, and Canada allowing anti-India groups to operate freely within its borders.
"You would have seen that the External Affairs Minister, in his media engagements, spoke about three things. One was Canada making allegations, and a pattern has developed without any specific evidence," Jaiswal said.
The MEA spokesman added that Jaishankar also showed concerns about the "political space that has been given in Canada to anti-India elements." He indicated that this might explain Canada’s decision to block Australia Today’s content.
Indian consulate cancels events due to security concerns
With tensions rising, the Indian Consulate in Toronto decided to cancel some planned community events, called consular camps. This decision came after Canadian security officials told the Consulate they couldn’t provide enough security for these events. This announcement followed a November 3 incident at the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton, where protesters with Khalistani flags disrupted an event organised by the Indian Consulate and the temple.
Videos shared on social media, though not confirmed, show protesters at the event clashing with people attending and holding banners in support of Khalistan. This incident has further worsened the already tense relationship between India and Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the protest, affirming that "every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely." India also condemned the incident, urging Canadian authorities to ensure that those involved in the violence are held accountable. "We expect that those engaging in violence will be prosecuted," the MEA stated.
Diplomatic tensions escalate since September allegations
India and Canada’s relationship has become very tense after Prime Minister Trudeau claimed in September that Indian agents were involved in the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a supporter of Khalistan. India has firmly denied these claims, calling them "absurd."
India is mainly concerned that Canada allows pro-Khalistan groups to operate freely within its borders. India has often shown frustration, feeling that Canada is not taking action against these anti-India groups that promote separatist activities from inside Canada.