'The Right to Tell Stories...': Australia Media Outlet Reacts After Canada Blocks Jaishankar Remarks

New Delhi: Hours after Cana blocked Australian media outlet, Australia Today, shortly after it brocasted joint press conference of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, media outlet issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter). In its response, Australia Today expressed gratitude to its supporters and affirmed its commitment to journalistic freedom, transparency, and accuracy.

statement re, “We at Australia Today would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every news outlet, journalist, and supporter who stood by us during a challenging time. recent restriction and ban on our interview with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on social media, under orders from Canian government, have been difficult for our team and those who value free and open journalism."

It ded, “Despite se restrictions, your unwavering support has been a beacon of strength for us. Wher it was sharing our cover on or platforms, voicing concerns about press freedom, or simply offering encourment, every action me a difference. We deeply appreciate solidarity shown by our community and ir commitment to upholding freedom of information and right of audiences to access diverse perspectives."

“We remain stefast in our mission to bring important stories and voices to public, undeterred by se obstacles. overwhelming support we have received is a powerful reminder of importance of a free press, and we will continue to strive for transparency, accuracy, and right to tell stories that matter."

“Once again, thank you for supporting us. We will continue to vocate for an open and inclusive media landscape," wrote Australia Today's Managing Editor Jitarth Jai Bharwaj in statement.

India Criticizes Canian Block on Media Outlet

India condemned Cana’s action, calling it hypocritical and a threat to freedom of speech. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Cana’s block on Australia Today’s social media handles came just hours after outlet brocasted Jaishankar and Wong’s joint press conference in Canberra.

“We understand that social media handles and ps of this particular outlet, which are important diaspora outlets, have been blocked and are t available for viewers in Cana. This happened just an hour or a few hours after this particular handle carried press conference of EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar with Penny Wong,” Jaiswal said. “We were surprised. It looks strange to us. But neless, what I say is that se are actions which yet again highlight hypocrisy of Cana towards freedom of speech.”

He ded that Jaishankar’s remarks during his Canberra media engments dressed Cana’s “pattern” of making allegations against India without providing evidence.

Diplomatic Strain and Rising Concerns

Jaishankar’s remarks in Canberra included a response to ongoing diplomatic strain between India and Cana. He raised concerns about Cana’s allegations, ting a recurring pattern of unsubstantiated claims. Jaiswal also emphasised that Jaishankar highlighted three issues: Cana’s unfounded accusations against India, surveillance of Indian diplomats in Cana, and political support provided to anti-India elements in Cana.

“You would have seen that External Affairs Minister, in his media engments, spoke about three things. One was Cana making allegations and a pattern has developed without any specific evidence,” Jaiswal said, ding that surveillance of Indian diplomats and platform given to anti-India elements were also points of concern. “So you can draw your conclusions from that, why Australia Today channel was blocked by Cana,” he ded.

Jaishankar’s visit to Australia, spanning vember 3–7, involved discussions on various bilateral issues. In a joint press conference with Wong, Jaishankar also dressed recent Brampton temple incident, describing it as “deeply concerning” and indicative of political given to extremist forces in Cana.

Recent Incidents in Cana

Describing recent incident at Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton as "deeply concerning", Jaishankar on Tuesday h said it told in a way "political " which is being given to "extremist forces" in Cana.

Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton recently became site of protests where individuals with Khalistani flags clashed with attendees and disrupted a consular event organised by Indian Consulate and temple authorities. 

Jaiswal reiterated India’s stand on diplomatic safety, highlighting that India h canceled planned consular camps in Toronto due to lack of security assurance from Canian government. "We condemn attack on temple in Brampton, and we have called upon Canian government to uphold rule of law and to bring to justice people who perpetrated violence. We hope that Canian government will take due action," MEA spokesperson said.

Jaiswal highlighted that re is a large Indian diaspora in Cana, and many of se people in month of vember-December need several documentation for continuation of ir pension and several ors activities in India, and se camps are useful for both Indian nationals or people of Indian-origin re.

"But, I do understand that in or parts of Cana, such as Vancouver, se consular camps will be conducted. se camps happen at request of community organisations," he said.

Asked if security was sought by Indian side, MEA spokesperson said, "We h asked for security to be provided for our diplomats where our consular camps are to be held, and se have t been provided by Canian side."

On wher threat to diplomatic and consular staff in Cana have increased, he said, "threats have increased".

ir surveillance is totally unacceptable, as mentioned by Indian external affairs minister in Canberra. And, India has taken up matter "very strongly", Jaiswal said.