Why did India block Reuters' main X account?
However, sources revealed that other Reuters X accounts, including Reuters Fact Check, Reuters Asia and Reuters Tech News, can still be reached, and the block only targeted the main account and the Reuters World account.
The Economic Times said that the Reuters website was not blocked as of Sunday, July 6. However, it is unknown whether it will be blocked soon or not.
(Photos shared by Mohammed Zubair on X showing a message appears to Indian users when they attempt to visit Reuters accounts.) Why did India block Reuters' X account?
The reason behind the block of Reuters' main X account is unknown yet, as no official statement was released by the Indian authorities, nor did Reuters share anything regarding the block in New Delhi.
But when people try to reach it, a message appears reading: "@Reuters has been withheld in IN in response to a legal demand."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Roya News
4 hours ago
- Roya News
Leaked Gaza ‘deradicalization' camp plan sparks fears of forced displacement: Reuters
A proposal obtained by Reuters has sparked concern among humanitarian experts over a plan to establish massive 'Humanitarian Transit Areas' (HTAs) for Palestinians inside, and potentially outside, the Gaza Strip. The plan, which carries the name of the US-aligned Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), outlines a USD 2 billion initiative to build large camps aimed to "temporarily residing" Palestinians, as well as "deradicalize, re-integrate and prepare to relocate if they wish to do so.' According to two sources familiar with the matter, the proposal was shared with the Trump administration earlier this year and was recently discussed in Washington. The project's stated aim is to transition control over Gaza's population away from Hamas, presenting the HTAs as 'voluntary' shelters where residents can temporarily live while Gaza is rebuilt. The plan also appeared in a presentation obtained by Reuters, which includes maps, timelines, and cost estimates. One slide suggested the first camp could be functional within 90 days and accommodate over 2,000 people. A longer-term vision includes the construction of up to eight camps, each capable of housing hundreds of thousands. While the proposal did not explain how residents would be moved to these areas, it showed potential destinations including Egypt and Cyprus. Despite the document prominently featuring the logos of GHF and the for-profit contractor SRS, both organizations have denied authorship or involvement. GHF told Reuters that the slides 'are not a GHF document,' stressing that it is not planning or implementing any such camps. 'Our focus is solely on food distribution,' the group said. SRS echoed that message, saying it has had 'no discussions with GHF about HTAs' and any claims suggesting otherwise were 'entirely false.' The White House declined to comment, while a senior US official said, 'nothing of the like is under consideration,' and no funding is being directed toward it. Still, the plan's emergence has alarmed humanitarian leaders. 'There is no such thing as voluntary displacement amongst a population that has been under constant bombardment for nearly two years and has been cut off from essential aid,' said Jeremy Konyndyk, head of Refugees International and a former US aid official. Concerns over forced relocation resurfaced after former President Donald Trump suggested in February that the US should take over Gaza and turn it into the 'Riviera of the Middle East' comments widely condemned by Palestinians and human rights groups. Ismail Al-Thawabta, Director of Gaza's Government Media Office, told Reuters the foundation is 'not a relief organization but rather an intelligence and security tool affiliated with the Israeli occupation.' Since opening its food distribution operations in Gaza in May, GHF has coordinated with the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and US security firms to move aid through non-UN channels, an approach favored by the Trump administration but criticized by the UN and aid groups. The United Nations has called the foundation's operations unsafe and a breach of humanitarian neutrality, reporting that hundreds have died at GHF distribution sites or near convoys. While the status of the camp proposal remains unclear, critics argue that even discussing such a plan in a war-ravaged and displaced population risk legitimizing mass relocation under the guise of humanitarian relief.
Al Bawaba
2 days ago
- Al Bawaba
Japan–Iran Relations: Economic and Diplomatic Overview
Dr. Gil Feiler Japan and Iran have maintained a complex yet enduring bilateral relationship shaped by mutual interests, geopolitical constraints, and economic interdependence. Despite Japan's close alliance with the United States and its adherence to international sanctions regimes, it has historically pursued a pragmatic approach to Iran, primarily driven by its energy needs and regional stability considerations. Japan and Iran established formal diplomatic relations in 1929. During the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah, the two countries maintained warm ties, especially due to Japan's need for Iranian oil. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, relations cooled but never broke. Japan chose a moderate stance, unlike Western powers, maintaining embassy-level ties and limited political engagement. Over the decades, Japan has consistently positioned itself as a neutral mediator between Iran and the West. This is evident in Japan's multiple diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions over Iran's nuclear program, particularly during the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) under the Trump administration. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's historic visit to Tehran in June 2019 — the first by a Japanese premier in over 40 years — symbolized Tokyo's commitment to dialogue and stability. In the wake of rising tensions between Iran and Israel and the broader Middle East crises of 2024–2025, Japan has renewed its call for de-escalation. Tokyo has Urged restraint on all sides following the Iranian-Israeli conflict; Maintained diplomatic channels open with both Tehran and Washington; and supported multilateral efforts for a renewed nuclear agreement. Japan's Foreign Ministry continues to underscore the importance of regional peace for global energy security — a key interest for a resource-scarce nation like Japan. Energy Cooperation: The Backbone of Bilateral Trade Historically, oil was the cornerstone of Japan–Iran economic ties. Until 2011, Iran was one of Japan's top oil suppliers. However, following international sanctions and U.S. pressure, Japanese firms dramatically reduced Iranian crude imports. In 2012, imports were slashed under U.S. sanctions. After the JCPOA in 2015, Japan resumed limited oil imports. With the re-imposition of U.S. sanctions in 2018, Japanese companies again halted purchases. As of 2025, Japan does not import Iranian oil due to international sanctions and insurance restrictions, though Japanese policymakers quietly support a return to trade once legally permissible. Despite sanctions, Japanese companies have historically shown interest in Iran's untapped market. Sectors include: Automobiles: Iran was once a major market for Toyota and Mazda; Infrastructure & Engineering: Japanese firms had interest in rail, port, and refinery modernization; Medical Equipment & Pharmaceuticals: Considered 'humanitarian goods,' trade in this area continued even under sanctions. In 2016, Japan extended a 10 billion USD credit line to Iran to support trade and development following the JCPOA — although much of it remained unused due to U.S. policy reversals. As of 2025, Japanese companies operate cautiously. Direct investments are minimal due to Sanctions enforcement; Payment channel restrictions; and U.S.-Japan security alliance constraint Japan promotes cultural ties with Iran through university exchanges, academic collaboration, and language programs. Tehran has an active Japan Foundation branch. Persian scholars and students frequently travel to Japan, while Japanese films and culture retain a niche following in Iran. In response to natural disasters and public health needs, Japan has provided consistent humanitarian aid to Iran. Notable recent efforts include: COVID-19 medical support; Earthquake relief efforts in Kerman and Hormozgan provinces; and food aid and water resource development under the JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency). Japan must carefully balance its interests. Its alliance with the United States imposes limits on full engagement with Iran. Yet Japan values Iran's geostrategic position and economic potential. Thus, Tokyo maintains a strategy of quiet diplomacy with Tehran and public support for multilateral agreements, while ready to re-engage economically once conditions improve, ie, investment in energy and infrastructure, post-sanctions engagement, and use of Japan's soft power To conclude, Japan–Iran relations remain defined by pragmatism, caution, and potential. While energy trade is currently dormant due to sanctions, Japan retains goodwill in Tehran and is poised to re-enter the market if geopolitical conditions permit. Diplomatically, Tokyo plays a vital role as a trusted interlocutor and advocate of de-escalation. Economically, Japan continues to signal interest, albeit quietly, in Iran's post-sanctions future — particularly in oil, infrastructure, and technology sectors.
Al Bawaba
2 days ago
- Al Bawaba
Why did India block Reuters' main X account?
ALBAWABA - According to social media users, India has blocked the main X account for the International news agency "Reuters", and the "Reuters World" X account. However, sources revealed that other Reuters X accounts, including Reuters Fact Check, Reuters Asia and Reuters Tech News, can still be reached, and the block only targeted the main account and the Reuters World account. The Economic Times said that the Reuters website was not blocked as of Sunday, July 6. However, it is unknown whether it will be blocked soon or not. (Photos shared by Mohammed Zubair on X showing a message appears to Indian users when they attempt to visit Reuters accounts.) Why did India block Reuters' X account? The reason behind the block of Reuters' main X account is unknown yet, as no official statement was released by the Indian authorities, nor did Reuters share anything regarding the block in New Delhi. But when people try to reach it, a message appears reading: "@Reuters has been withheld in IN in response to a legal demand."
