Australia Today, which interviewed Jaishankar, reacts to Canada's ban

India-Canada Relations: The recent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada and the ban imposed by Canada on the broadcast of India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar's interview in this case have led to a new diplomatic dispute. The ban imposed on the social media accounts of Indian expatriate news outlet 'The Australia Today' has raised questions about freedom of expression. The ban was imposed just hours after the coverage of the press conference between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Reaction of 'The Australia Today'

The Australia Today's managing editor Jitharth Jai Bhardwaj expressed his commitment to independent media and fair journalism despite this action. Bhardwaj said, "We are grateful to all the supporters who stood with us in challenging times." He said that the restrictions imposed on the social media platforms of 'The Australia Today' due to the orders of the Canadian government have dealt a blow to his media outlet. He believes that the ban is aimed at curbing free and open journalism.

Statement of the Ministry of External Affairs

India reacted strongly to this development. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned Canada's move and called it a sign of Canada's alleged double standards towards freedom of expression. He said, "This move by Canada exposes its hypocrisy towards freedom of expression. The ban on 'The Australia Today' on social media shows that Canada is not sensitive to topics that are important to the diaspora communities."

Randhir Jaiswal further said that the incident took place soon after the press conference in which S. Jaishankar criticized Canada and accused it of patronizing anti-India elements. Jaiswal expressed concern over this ban and called it "strange and unacceptable". He believes that this move by Canada has made the ideological differences between the two countries on freedom of expression clear.

The issue of temple attack in Brampton

In the context of this incident, India has also expressed its concern over the attack on the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton. India's Foreign Minister has raised questions on the law and order of Canada regarding this attack and said that Canada should take cognizance of such incidents. Jaishankar said that this attack is a matter of serious concern for the safety of the Hindu community there.

Anti-India incidents have increased in Canada in recent times, which has increased tension in the diplomatic relations of the two countries. There have been incidents of attacks on Indian establishments and religious places by some radical elements in Canada, and India has taken a tough stand on this earlier as well.

Conclusion

This issue of ban on The Australia Today and diplomatic tension with India has emerged as a new challenge not only on freedom of expression but also in the relations between the two countries. India has clearly told Canada that such bans and attacks can affect the morale of the Indian diaspora. India has expected Canada to take concrete steps on such incidents and respect freedom of expression.