Australian Outlet Responds to Canada’s Ban After S. Jaishankar Interview

Photo : AP

An Australian news outlet has raised serious concerns about press freedom after it was blocked by Canada for airing an interview with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and a press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. The ban has sparked diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, with both countries exchanging sharp remarks over the move.

Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj, the managing editor of the outlet, expressed his frustration with the ban but emphasized that the team would not be deterred by such challenges. He acknowledged that the decision had made things difficult for the team but reaffirmed the outlet’s commitment to its journalistic mission. In a statement, Bharadwaj said, “The recent restriction and ban on our interview with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar and the press conference with Australian Foreign Minister @SenatorWong on #socialmedia, under orders from the Canadian government, have been difficult for our team and those who value free and open #journalism."

Bharadwaj added that despite the obstacles, the outlet would continue advocating for an open and inclusive media environment, thanking the media community for their support during this challenging time. He concluded, “We remain steadfast in our mission to bring important stories and voices to the public, undeterred by these obstacles.”

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The controversy arose after the interview and press conference, which were held during S. Jaishankar’s visit to Australia. The Indian Foreign Minister met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and co-chaired the 15th Foreign Ministers' Framework Dialogue with Penny Wong. Shortly after the event, Canada took the unexpected step of blocking the outlet’s social media pages, including its content featuring Jaishankar and Wong. This action was seen as part of a broader pattern of diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, exacerbated by issues such as Canada’s support of anti-India groups and accusations against Indian diplomats.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded strongly to the Canadian ban, calling out the inconsistency between Canada’s stance on freedom of speech and its actions against the outlet. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed surprise at the move, stating, “We were surprised. It looks strange to us. But, nonetheless, these are actions that yet again highlight the hypocrisy of Canada towards freedom of speech.” Jaiswal also referenced comments made by Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in his interviews, where he discussed Canada’s ongoing allegations against India without evidence, the surveillance of Indian diplomats, and the political space provided to anti-India elements in Canada.

This latest diplomatic friction comes on the heels of strained relations between India and Canada, which have been deteriorating since Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of being involved in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India swiftly dismissed the allegations as baseless and condemned Canada’s interference in its internal affairs. Last month, the situation worsened further when Canada named the Indian High Commissioner as a "person of interest" in the Nijjar case, prompting India to recall several top diplomats and label the accusation as “ludicrous.”

The diplomatic tensions have also extended to the issue of surveillance, with India recently flagging concerns over Canada violating diplomatic conventions by placing certain consular officials under audio and video surveillance. India has expressed its dismay, stating that Canada could not justify the harassment of its diplomats and lodged an official protest with the Canadian government.

The outlet’s case is one of several developments highlighting the growing rift between the two nations. As the ban on its social media content remains in effect, the outlet’s management and journalists are determined to continue reporting on critical global issues, undeterred by external pressure.