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The escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have reached a new level of confrontation as India has vehemently criticized Canada's actions in blocking the social media handles and pages of an Australian news outlet, Australia Today. This move comes on the heels of the outlet carrying a press conference featuring Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, along with an interview of the Indian minister. India views this blocking as a blatant demonstration of Canada's hypocrisy towards freedom of speech, further fueling the already strained relationship between the two countries.
India's Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, expressed surprise and consternation at the blocking of Australia Today's social media presence in Canada. He highlighted that this action took place just hours after the outlet published coverage of Jaishankar's visit to Australia, including a press conference and an interview. Jaiswal pointedly stated that the incident serves as yet another illustration of Canada's double standards when it comes to freedom of expression, a theme that Jaishankar himself had addressed during his Australian visit. During his engagements, Jaishankar had raised concerns about Canada's tendency to make unsubstantiated allegations against India, the unacceptable surveillance of Indian diplomats, and the platform given to anti-India elements within Canadian political spaces. India's response suggests that these issues may have played a role in the blocking of Australia Today.
The diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have been simmering for a considerable time, rooted in Canada's unfounded claims of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year. India has repeatedly refuted these allegations and demanded concrete evidence from Canada, but these calls have gone unheeded. The situation took a further downturn last month when Canada labelled India's High Commissioner a 'person of interest' in the killing, a charge that India dismissed as ludicrous. This led to India's retaliatory actions, including the withdrawal of its High Commissioner and several diplomats, as well as the expulsion of six Canadian officials, including Canada's acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler.
The blocking of Australia Today, coupled with the broader diplomatic impasse, underscores the deep chasm between India and Canada. India's strong condemnation of Canada's actions, coupled with the emphasis on hypocrisy surrounding freedom of speech, reveals a deeply strained relationship. The current situation presents a significant challenge for both countries, with the future of bilateral ties hanging in the balance. It remains to be seen whether both sides can find common ground to resolve the ongoing issues and restore a semblance of normalcy in their relationship.
Source: India Calls Out Canada's Move Against Australian Outlet That Interviewed S Jaishankar