India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong rebuke to the Canadian government on Thursday after an Australian media outlet was blocked during a press interaction between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the incident, calling it a clear demonstration of Canada’s hypocrisy regarding freedom of expression.

During a press conference, Jaiswal revealed that the social media accounts of the Australian media outlet, which serves a significant diaspora audience, were made inaccessible in Canada shortly after the press conference aired. “We were surprised. We find it strange,” he said, adding that Canada’s actions underscore its inconsistent stance on free speech.

Jaishankar, who was in Sydney for meetings with business leaders, had earlier criticized Canada for providing a platform to anti-India elements. Jaiswal noted that the media ban coincided with Jaishankar’s remarks criticizing Canada.

“You would have seen that EAM, in its media engagements, talked about three things,” explained Jaiswal. “One was Canada making allegations without specific evidence. The second was the unacceptable surveillance of Indian diplomats in Canada. The third was the political space given to anti-India elements.”

Jaishankar’s comments included a condemnation of a recent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, and allegations of illegal surveillance of Indian diplomats. He emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in Canada-India relations.

Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have escalated significantly in recent weeks, particularly after Canada’s claims that senior Indian diplomats were “persons of interest” in the investigation into the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly condemned Canada’s response to pro-Khalistan extremist activity, particularly in the wake of a recent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Ontario.

Jaishankar, speaking at a joint press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, accused the Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, of allowing extremist groups too much “political space” and enabling disruptive activities against Indian interests.

Jaishankar highlighted an incident at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton where pro-Khalistan supporters clashed with the Indian community and disrupted a consular event organized by temple authorities and the Indian consulate.