India has condemned Canada’s decision to block an Australian news outlet from airing a press conference held by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The incident has sparked a diplomatic row, with India accusing Canada of hypocrisy in its stance on free speech and media freedom.
The controversy began when Canada’s telecommunications regulator, in collaboration with local media authorities, blocked an Australian news network from broadcasting the press conference. The event, which featured Jaishankar addressing key foreign policy issues, was scheduled to air globally but faced disruption in Canada. The Indian government quickly reacted, labeling the move as a violation of media rights and an attempt to curtail free expression.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement denouncing Canada’s actions, emphasizing that such interference undermines the principles of open communication and free media. “Canada, which often positions itself as a champion of free speech, is showing blatant hypocrisy by restricting the airing of a public press conference,” said a spokesperson.
The Australian news outlet, which had obtained the necessary broadcasting rights, expressed disappointment at the sudden intervention. It argued that the blocking of the event was an infringement on journalistic freedom, preventing viewers from accessing important international discourse. The network also criticized Canada for undermining media pluralism and creating an environment of censorship.
The diplomatic tension highlights broader concerns regarding media freedom and the role of governments in regulating foreign broadcasts. While Canada has not officially commented on the reasoning behind the move, critics suggest the decision may be politically motivated, aimed at curbing certain narratives. India’s strong response is indicative of ongoing friction in diplomatic relations between the two countries, which have been marked by differences on various geopolitical issues.
