India Restores TRT & Global Times Accounts
In a sudden turn of events, India has restored the official X (formerly Twitter) accounts of Turkey’s public broadcaster TRT World and the Chinese government’s Global Times, just a day after they were suspended on Wednesday morning. The move comes amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with Turkey and China being accused of supporting Pakistan after India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
TRT World, Turkey’s public broadcaster, and the Global Times, a Chinese government-run newspaper, were suspended by India on Wednesday morning. The suspension was met with widespread criticism from both Turkey and China, who accused India of censorship and violating the principles of freedom of expression.
However, in a surprise move, India restored the accounts on Wednesday evening, sparking a flurry of reactions on social media. While the exact reason behind the decision to restore the accounts is unclear, it is believed that India may have reconsidered its stance in light of the diplomatic fallout and the potential economic consequences of the suspension.
The decision to suspend the accounts was met with widespread criticism from both Turkey and China, who accused India of violating the principles of freedom of expression and engaging in censorship. The Turkish government, in particular, was vocal in its condemnation of the suspension, with the country’s Foreign Ministry describing the move as “unacceptable” and “a clear violation of freedom of expression”.
China, too, was quick to respond, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry stating that India’s decision to suspend the accounts was “unreasonable” and “hurtful” to China’s national dignity. The Chinese Embassy in India also tweeted its disapproval of the suspension, stating that it was “a clear violation of the principles of freedom of expression and the basic norms governing international relations”.
The suspension of the accounts also had significant economic implications, with several Indian companies and individuals expressing their discontent on social media. Several Indians, who had planned to travel to Turkey, cancelled their trips in the wake of the suspension, citing concerns over the safety and security of Indian citizens in the country.
The decision to restore the accounts has sparked a mix of reactions on social media, with some users welcoming the move as a step towards promoting free speech and others criticizing India for caving in to international pressure.
The move is seen as a significant development in the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Pakistan, which has seen both countries exchange heated rhetoric over the past few days. The Pahalgam terror attack, which killed several Indian soldiers, was widely condemned by the international community, with Turkey and China being accused of supporting Pakistan’s stance.
The suspension of the TRT World and Global Times accounts was seen as a symbolic move by India to signal its displeasure with Turkey and China’s stance on the issue. However, the decision to restore the accounts may suggest that India is looking to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue with Turkey and China.
The move also raises questions over the role of social media platforms in promoting free speech and international relations. While social media platforms have been credited with promoting free speech and facilitating global communication, they have also been criticized for their role in spreading misinformation and perpetuating stereotypes.
In conclusion, India’s decision to restore the TRT World and Global Times accounts is a significant development in the ongoing diplomatic row between India, Turkey, and China. The move may signal a step towards promoting dialogue and de-escalating tensions, but it also raises important questions over the role of social media platforms in promoting free speech and international relations.
News Source:
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/trt-world-global-times-now-available-in-india-after-short-lived-block/amp
