New Delhi: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly criticized Canada for blocking an Australian media outlet during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankars press interaction with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong in Canberra. The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, condemned Canadas actions as a blatant violation of freedom of speech, stating that the blocking occurred shortly after the outlet aired the press conference.Canadas Hypocrisy on Freedom of SpeechIn a press conference, Jaiswal expressed Indias surprise over the move, calling it strange and asserting that it exposed Canadas hypocrisy regarding freedom of speech. We understand that the social media handles, pages of this particular outlet, which is an important diaspora outlet, have been blocked and are not available for viewers in Canada, Jaiswal remarked. This action came just hours after the Australian outlet, Australia Today, aired a press conference where Jaishankar addressed issues related to Canada.Jaishankars Strong Criticism of CanadaS. Jaishankar, during his media engagements, sharply criticized Canada for providing political space to anti-India elements. He noted that Canada had developed a troubling pattern of making allegations without offering specific evidence, particularly regarding the surveillance of Indian diplomats. The fact that our diplomats are under surveillance is something which is unacceptable, Jaishankar said. He also mentioned the attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, as an example of the growing political space granted to extremist forces in the country.India-Canada Diplomatic Tensions EscalateThe already strained bilateral ties between India and Canada worsened after Canada accused senior Indian diplomats of involvement in the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Jaishankars comments further exacerbated tensions, as he questioned the ongoing political support given to groups that oppose Indias interests.Jaiswals statement highlighted Canadas double standards, especially considering the countrys supposed commitment to free speech. The incident has raised significant questions about Canadas stance on international relations and its treatment of Indias concerns over national security.
