Fri Nov 08 00:12:57 UTC 2024: ## India-Canada Ties Plunge to New Low Over Blocked News Outlet and Canceled Consular Camps

**New Delhi, India** – Bilateral relations between India and Canada have taken a sharp downturn after Canada blocked an Australian news outlet, *The Australia Today*, which aired a press conference featuring Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The conference, held in Canberra with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, saw Jaishankar express concerns about the space given to Khalistan extremists in Canada and highlight the surveillance of Indian diplomats.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed surprise and labeled the Canadian move as “hypocrisy towards freedom of speech”. Notably, both Canada and Australia are part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance.

In a further escalation, the MEA announced the cancellation of several scheduled consular camps in Canada due to the Canadian authorities’ inability to provide security to organizers.

The controversy erupted shortly after *The Australia Today* aired Jaishankar’s press conference, prompting users in Canada to complain about the website being blocked.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal pointed out the timing of the block, suggesting a connection to the press conference and the outlet’s coverage of Jaishankar’s visit to Australia.

In Canberra, Jaishankar had criticized Canada’s allegations against India over the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, stating that they were made without specifics and the surveillance of Indian diplomats was unacceptable. He also highlighted the space given to extremist forces in Canada.

The Canadian move comes amidst an ongoing row between the two countries, with diplomats being recalled and serious accusations exchanged. A recent incident involving Khalistan separatists disrupting a consular event in Brampton further strained relations.

India’s Consulate General in Toronto cited security concerns in cancelling consular camps, highlighting the difficulties faced by the Indian diaspora in Canada.

This latest development has deepened the rift between India and Canada, raising serious questions about the future of their relationship.

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