New Delhi:Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Australia and addressed a press conference in Canberra with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. The Australian media outlet Australia Today aired the conference, which has reportedly irked the Canadian government. In response, Canada’s Justin Trudeau administration has imposed a ban on Australia Today’s social media handles and pages, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday.
During the press conference, Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance, stating that Canada is making baseless accusations regarding the killing of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. He also refuted claims that Indian Home Minister Amit Shah had ordered targeting of Sikh activists within Canada.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, condemned Canada’s action as hypocritical, highlighting the country’s lack of commitment to free speech. Jaiswal mentioned that Jaishankar had merely raised concerns about the political backing and shelter provided to anti-India elements in Canada. This incident followed an attack on Hindu worshippers at the Hindu Mahasabha temple in Brampton, Canada, which was condemned by both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Jaiswal added, “Just as Australia Today aired the conference featuring Dr. S. Jaishankar and Penny Wong, it was blocked in Canada shortly after. This ban restricts access for the large Indian diaspora living in Canada. Such actions expose Canada’s hypocrisy regarding free expression.”
Notably, Australia is a member of the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance, which includes Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and New Zealand. Recently, Canada attempted to isolate India within this alliance by raising concerns about Indian actions, though it ultimately found itself isolated. In the press conference, Jaishankar also criticized Canada for placing Indian diplomats under surveillance, calling it “unacceptable.” He pointed out Canada’s tendency to make accusations without evidence, deeming the allegations “absurd and baseless.”