India Calls out Canada’s ‘Hypocrisy’ on Freedom of Speech

India has sharply criticized Canada for what was described by the Ministry of External Affairs as a “hypocrisy on freedom of speech,” following the blocking of Australia Today, a prominent diaspora news outlet, from Canadian social media platforms. According to the MEA, Australia Today’s pages were restricted shortly after publishing coverage of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent remarks on anti-India activities in Canada and his joint statements with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. “While Canada frequently champions democratic rights, its actions reveal a selective and hypocritical approach when those rights challenge its own narratives,” remarked Mr. Randhir Jaiswal, the MEA’s spokesperson. He added, “Blocking Australia Today highlights a concerning pattern in Canada’s treatment of pro-India voices, while anti-India elements continue to find space there unchecked.” Mr. Jaiswal outlined a series of escalating threats and harassment incidents targeting Indian diplomats and institutions, including acts of vandalism against temples, such as the recent attack on a temple in Brampton. “We have called on Canadian authorities to uphold the rule of law and to take strong action against those responsible for these attacks,” he stated, emphasizing that Canada must act decisively to protect vulnerable communities and maintain social harmony. Adding to these concerns, the MEA disclosed that Canadian authorities had denied security assurances for consular camps in Toronto, forcing India to cancel these essential services. These camps provide critical support to the large Indian diaspora, assisting them with documentation, pensions, and other services, particularly during the high-demand months of November and December. “Our request for security at these camps was not met, leaving us no choice but to cancel,” Jaiswal explained. He noted that similar camps would continue in other Canadian cities, such as Vancouver, where local organizations felt more confident in providing security. In the weekly briefing, Mr. Jaiswal, speaking on the US elections, described a contrastingly optimistic outlook on India-U.S. relations, following President Donald Trump’s recent re-election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed congratulations to Mr. Trump, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening what Jaiswal called a “special, multifaceted partnership.” Modi emphasized India’s enthusiasm for working with the Trump administration to advance mutual goals across trade, defense, technology, and global stability. “India celebrates this democratic mandate in the U.S.,” Jaiswal stated, adding that the partnership would contribute significantly to “global peace, prosperity, and stability.”  The MEA spokesperson also elaborated on Jaishankar’s diplomatic engagements, highlighting productive discussions with Australian officials on regional security and peace initiatives. Talks included India’s ongoing humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan and approaches to address conflicts like those in Gaza and Ukraine. “The external affairs minister’s discussions are a testament to India’s commitment to peace-building and proactive diplomacy,” Jaiswal noted, pointing to India’s efforts to work with international partners on pressing global issues.