The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday sharply criticized Canada for what it termed “hypocrisy towards freedom of speech,” following reports that Canada had blocked the social media accounts of Australian news outlet Australia Today shortly after it aired External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra.

During the press conference, Jaishankar condemned Canada’s recent actions, denouncing the country’s “unsupported allegations” against India, “unacceptable surveillance of Indian diplomats,” and the “political space provided to anti-India elements” within Canada.

At the weekly MEA briefing, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the unexpected shutdown of Australia Today’s platforms in Canada, saying, “It appears that shortly after airing EAM Dr. S Jaishankar’s press event with Penny Wong, Canada blocked the outlet’s social media channels for Canadian viewers. The timing of this move is peculiar and troubling.”

Jaiswal further highlighted that these actions underline Canada’s inconsistency regarding freedom of speech, especially when it concerns issues critical of the Canadian government’s stance toward India. “The EAM touched on three critical points: baseless accusations against India, surveillance on Indian diplomats in Canada, and the encouragement of anti-India sentiments within Canadian borders,” he explained, suggesting that the timing of Australia Today’s blackout could be interpreted in light of Jaishankar’s pointed remarks.

In addition to covering Jaishankar’s Canberra visit, Jaiswal detailed the EAM’s ongoing engagement in Australia, including a meeting with the business community and CEOs in Sydney and participation in the 15th India-Australia Framework Dialogue. During these discussions, Jaishankar reiterated India’s security concerns to his Australian counterparts.

The MEA spokesperson also condemned the recent vandalism at Brampton’s Hindu Sabha Temple on November 3. Jaiswal called upon the Canadian government to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice for those responsible for the violence, which has raised ongoing concerns about the safety of the Indian diaspora in Canada.

Further underscoring India’s security concerns, Jaiswal disclosed that the Indian Consulate in Toronto had to cancel upcoming consular camps due to inadequate security assurances from Canadian authorities. The consulate camps, crucial for the Indian community’s documentation needs, will continue in locations like Vancouver, where community organizations can ensure a safe environment.

(Inputs from ANI)