The Indian government on Saturday clarified that it had no role in the withholding of international news agency Reuters’ official X (formerly Twitter) handle in India, saying no such directive was issued and that it is actively working with the platform to resolve the matter.
Reuters’ X handle goes dark in India
Reuters’ primary handle on X became inaccessible to Indian users this week, triggering widespread concern. A notice on the social media platform stated the account was withheld “in response to a legal demand.”
Amid speculation, a government spokesperson said, “There is no requirement from the Government of India to withhold Reuters, and we are continuously working with X to resolve the problem.”
Delayed action on old legal request suspected
Sources suggest the block may be the result of an outdated request that X may have implemented recently in error. Officials believe the handle may be restored shortly.
According to a PTI report, the Indian government had indeed issued a blocking order on May 7 during Operation Sindoor that included Reuters among hundreds of social media handles. However, Reuters’ account had not been actioned at the time, and it now appears X acted on that order belatedly — a “mistake on their part,” an official source said.
Reuters not alone in restriction
While Reuters’ main and world handles remain inaccessible, several other official accounts of the news organisation — including Reuters Tech News, Reuters Asia, and Reuters Fact Check — continue to function normally in India. The UK-based news agency has not yet released an official statement on the matter.
India asks X to explain, lift restrictions
The government has reportedly asked X to clarify the circumstances surrounding the block and requested that it revoke the restriction, citing the irrelevance of the original request in the current context.
Under its content policy, X complies with legal demands such as court orders or local laws, and may withhold content in specific jurisdictions accordingly.
