India Restores X Accounts of Turkey’s TRT & China’s Global Times
In a sudden turn of events, India has restored the official X (formerly Twitter) accounts of Turkey’s public broadcaster TRT World and China’s Global Times after suspending them on Wednesday morning. The move comes amidst heightened tensions between the two countries and Pakistan, following India’s Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
The controversy began early Wednesday morning when India suspended the X accounts of TRT World and Global Times, citing unspecified reasons. The suspension was met with widespread criticism from Turkey and China, who accused India of censoring their voices. However, in a surprising U-turn, the Indian government has since restored the accounts, paving the way for the two countries to continue engaging with their followers in the region.
The decision to restore the accounts has been met with mixed reactions from various quarters. While some have hailed the move as a step towards promoting freedom of expression, others have expressed concerns over the potential implications of allowing accounts associated with state-sponsored media outlets to operate in India.
TRT World, a Turkish public broadcaster, has been a vocal critic of Indian government policies, particularly with regards to Kashmir. The channel has been accused of promoting pro-Pakistan views and sympathizing with Kashmiri separatists. In recent weeks, TRT World has been actively reporting on the situation in India’s Kashmir Valley, sparking outrage among Indian nationalists.
Global Times, on the other hand, is a Chinese government-controlled newspaper that has been known for its hawkish stance on international affairs. The publication has been vocal in its support for Pakistan and has often criticized Indian government policies, particularly with regards to the Kashmir issue.
The restoration of TRT World and Global Times’ X accounts comes at a sensitive time, with tensions between India, Turkey, and China escalating in recent weeks. Indian authorities launched Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed several security personnel. Turkey and China have been accused of supporting Pakistan, a charge that both countries have vehemently denied.
Notably, several Indians have cancelled their trips to Turkey in the wake of the controversy, citing concerns over the country’s stance on Kashmir. The move is seen as a manifestation of the growing unease among Indians towards countries that are perceived as being sympathetic to Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue.
The restoration of TRT World and Global Times’ X accounts has raised questions about India’s stance on freedom of expression and its willingness to engage with foreign media outlets. While some have argued that the move is a step towards promoting global dialogue and understanding, others have expressed concerns over the potential implications of allowing state-sponsored media outlets to operate in India.
In a statement, India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that the decision to restore the accounts was taken in accordance with Indian laws and regulations. “India is committed to promoting freedom of expression and ensuring that all voices are heard,” the statement read. “We believe that the restoration of TRT World and Global Times’ X accounts is a step towards promoting global dialogue and understanding.”
However, critics have argued that the move is a clear indication of the Indian government’s willingness to compromise on its values and principles. “India’s decision to restore the X accounts of TRT World and Global Times is a clear indication of the government’s willingness to compromise on its values and principles,” said a prominent Indian journalist. “This move will only embolden state-sponsored media outlets and undermine the credibility of Indian institutions.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear – India’s decision to restore the X accounts of TRT World and Global Times has far-reaching implications for the country’s relations with Turkey and China. While some have hailed the move as a step towards promoting global dialogue and understanding, others have expressed concerns over the potential implications of allowing state-sponsored media outlets to operate in India.
