In a new development that could further strain India-Canada relations, Canada has blocked Australian media outlet Australia Today after it broadcasted Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s joint press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. The outlet’s social media presence has reportedly also been restricted in Canada, with its pages no longer accessible to Canadian viewers.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed this action in a statement from New Delhi, saying, “Yes, you heard it correctly. We also understand that the social media handles and pages of this particular outlet, which is an important diaspora outlet, have been blocked…” He added that the restrictions were imposed just hours after Australia Today broadcasted Jaishankar’s press conference and published articles covering his official visit to Australia. This unexpected move, Jaiswal noted, has raised questions in India, especially given that Australia Today has been an influential platform for the Indian diaspora in both Australia and Canada.
This diplomatic action takes place amid an already tense environment between India and Canada. Relations between the two nations have been deteriorating since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged last year that Indian agents were linked to the assassination of pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India has strongly denied these allegations, requesting that Canada provide credible evidence, which has yet to be furnished by the Canadian government.
Tensions have continued to escalate, with increasing reports of violence from pro-Khalistan groups in Canada, including attacks on Indian places of worship and disruptions of events hosted by the Indian consulate.
This latest incident appears to add another layer of complexity to the India-Canada relationship, suggesting a continuing diplomatic standoff with repercussions that may extend beyond borders.
