Istanbul (TDI): In a controversial move that has sparked widespread criticism from press freedom advocates, the Indian government has blocked the X account of TRT World, Turkey’s internationally recognized state-run news broadcaster.
The decision is being widely viewed as a politically motivated attempt to silence independent global journalism.
The Indian authorities claim that TRT World was disseminating “provocative and misleading content” regarding Operation Sindoor, a military operation shrouded in limited official transparency.
For more context, Turkiye openly supported Pakistan and even mobilized its naval fleet as Pakistan and India were deep into a tit-for-tat military conflict last week. The exchange of missiles followed from India’s unprovoked strikes inside Pakistan, citing Pahalgam incident.
Media analysts argue that this action represents a worrying trend in India’s increasingly aggressive stance against foreign media, particularly those who challenge or question its internal actions.
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Blocking TRT World’s account not only restricts the Indian public’s access to alternative perspectives but also raises pressing concerns over freedom of expression and the right to information in the world’s largest democracy.
Critics argue that instead of engaging with global narratives through dialogue and diplomacy, India is choosing digital censorship as a method of narrative control.
This move follows a similar block imposed earlier today on China’s Global Times — another state-affiliated media outlet accused of spreading “fake news” about India’s military affairs.
Both blocks suggest a broader crackdown on foreign media that do not echo the Indian government’s official version of events.
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TRT World, known for covering underrepresented voices and offering diverse global perspectives, has not yet commented officially.
However, international human rights organizations and journalism watchdogs have condemned India’s actions, calling them “an alarming assault on press freedom and international media cooperation.”
The international community, media rights groups, and diplomatic allies are urged to hold India accountable and to stand in defense of press freedom, open discourse, and responsible journalism.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
