SYDNEY, Nov 08 (Alliance News): The Canadian government has banned the broadcast of an Australian TV channel, Australia Today, for airing a press conference featuring Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar.
During the conference, Jaishankar made controversial remarks regarding Sikh separatists in Canada, as well as comments on the ongoing tensions between India and Canada.
India has condemned the move, calling it an infringement on freedom of expression.
The Indian government expressed concern over Canada’s contradictory stance, as it has frequently advocated for freedom of speech but took action to block the broadcast of the press conference.
The press conference, which was held in Canberra, also included Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
The joint presser, broadcast by Australia Today, provided key updates and discussions surrounding the Indian community in both Australia and Canada.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, criticized the Canadian decision, stating, “On one hand, Canada promotes freedom of expression, and on the other, it bans the broadcast of Australia Today. It’s all very strange.”
The ban comes amid growing tensions between India and Canada, particularly following the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nagar in British Columbia last year.
Investigations have since focused on individuals connected to the murder, with Indian authorities involved in efforts to resolve the case, which has heightened diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
