In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Canada has blocked the social media accounts of a news organization following strong remarks made by India’s Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, during a joint press conference in Australia. This development comes in the wake of serious allegations leveled by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India's involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan activist, which has further strained bilateral relations between the two countries. During a recent press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Jaishankar addressed Canada's claims concerning the Nijjar case, asserting, “Canada has created a system of accusing India without any solid evidence.”
He also condemned the surveillance of Indian diplomats by Canada as “totally unacceptable” and highlighted the troubling rise of radical Khalistani supporters within Canadian politics, particularly in relation to attacks on Hindu temples. Shortly after the press conference aired on the social media platform of Australia Today, users in Canada reported that the news organization's accounts had been blocked, sparking outrage and confusion. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s External Affairs Department, expressed India’s discontent with Canada’s actions, stating, “We were surprised to learn that users in Canada are unable to view the news agency's content shortly after it covered Minister Jaishankar's comments.”
Jaiswal further criticized Canada's handling of freedom of expression, calling it a demonstration of the nation's double standards. “This once again shows Canada's dual stance on freedom of expression,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of a free press and open dialogue amid diplomatic disputes. As tensions continue to rise, both nations remain at a diplomatic impasse, with India firmly rejecting the allegations and Canada asserting its position. The blocking of the news organization adds another layer to an already fraught relationship, leaving many to wonder how this standoff will evolve and what it means for the future of India-Canada relations.
