Fri Nov 08 01:28:41 UTC 2024: ## Canada Silences Australia Today After Jaishankar’s Press Conference, India Calls it Hypocrisy

**New Delhi, India** – India has condemned Canada’s decision to block Australian news outlet Australia Today, calling it a blatant violation of freedom of speech. The move comes just hours after the outlet aired a press conference by India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, where he criticized Canada’s handling of Khalistani extremism and the surveillance of Indian diplomats.

Australia Today, a prominent source of news for the Indian diaspora, faced censorship in Canada shortly after airing the joint press conference of Jaishankar and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, expressed surprise and dismay at the move, labeling it “hypocritical” considering Canada’s own claims of upholding freedom of speech.

Jaishankar, during his engagements in Australia, highlighted three key concerns: Canada’s unsubstantiated allegations against India, the surveillance of Indian diplomats in Canada, and the platform given to anti-India elements within Canada. The spokesperson’s statement implied that Canada’s censorship of Australia Today was a direct response to these concerns.

The incident follows a series of escalating tensions between India and Canada. These tensions were exacerbated by the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Canada’s Brampton, which Jaishankar called “deeply concerning.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack, highlighting the intimidation faced by Indian diplomats in Canada.

India has repeatedly called on Canada to protect places of worship and take a firm stance against extremist groups. The diplomatic row began in September 2022 when Canada alleged Indian government involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim India vehemently denies. Last month, tensions escalated further when Canada labeled the Indian High Commissioner a person of interest in its probe into Nijjar’s murder. This led to India recalling its envoy and diplomats and expelling six Canadian officials, including Canada’s acting High Commissioner.

This latest incident is likely to further strain relations between the two countries. India’s strong condemnation of Canada’s action highlights the deepening rift and the ongoing dispute over the handling of Khalistani extremism in Canada.

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