New Delhi: Australia Today, an Australian news media outlet, has been banned by Canada just hours after it aired a press conference featuring India’s External Affairs, Minister S. Jaishankar, alongside Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. This press conference addressed the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, particularly focusing on issues related to Khalistani extremism in Canada.
In response to the ban, Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj, the Managing Editor of Australia Today, expressed their commitment to maintaining transparency and the principles of a free press. He stated that the outlet remains determined to report notable stories and uphold journalistic integrity despite the challenges posed by this restriction. Bharadwaj underlined that the support received from viewers has enhanced their mission to deliver impactful journalism.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs reacted strongly to Canada’s decision, labeling it as hypocritical regarding freedom of speech. Spokesman Randhir Jaiswal stated that the ban came shortly after Jaishankar’s Comments, which included criticism of Canada’s and unproven allegations against India and highlighted issues about surveillance on Indian diplomats in Canada. Jaiswal noted that these actions point out a troubling pattern of restricting media freedoms in Canada, especially concerning issues involving India.
The situation arises amidst already strained relations between India and Canada, exacerbated by allegations from Ottawa regarding India’s involvement in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Indian government views Canada’s actions as an attempt to suppress dissenting voices and limit discussions on critical geopolitical matters.
