Why Was Reuters X /Twitter Account Blocked in India? Operation Sindoor, Technical Glitch, or Legal Order?

On July 5, 2025, late in the evening, users in India found they could no longer access the Reuters X account, @Reuters, with a message being displayed on the screen saying it was withheld due to a legal demand. This sudden block has raised questions about freedom of information especially as Reuters' is a global news provider.

The Reuters X account block was first noted around 11:30 PM IST, which only affected access within India while the account is currently operational globally. The message displayed aligns with X's policies, which allow for account withholding in response to legal requests, but specifics are not yet public. The Reuters World account was also affected, but other Reuters handles like Reuters Tech News and Reuters Fact Check remain accessible in India.

Affected and Unaffected Reuters Accounts

While the Reuters main handle and Reuters World accounts are blocked, other Reuters-related accounts remain operational in India which include Reuters Tech News, Reuters Fact Check, Reuters Pictures, Reuters Asia, and Reuters China. This selective blocking could mean that the action may be targeted to specific content or certain legal issues.

Possible Reason for the Block

The exact reason for the Reuters X account block remains unclear, as neither Reuters nor X has issued an official statement as of the latest updates. Potential causes could include a particular report, a legal dispute, or a government order, but currently there is no confirmation, speculation is underway. People are awaiting clarity for the action.

Several reports say that there is a possible connection to Operation Sindoor, which was carried out on May 7. As part of the operation, several hundred accounts were flagged for blocking and Reuters' account was reportedly among them.
Now, it seems that X has mistakenly enforced that earlier order, possibly in error. The Indian government is reportedly contacting X for clarification and to get the issue resolved.

Government's Denial and Technical Possibility

The Indian government, through MeitY, has explicitly denied any involvement, stating there was no requirement from their side to withhold the Reuters handle. Sources suggest that the block may be a technical issue or confusion on X's part, with the government said that it wants Reuters to continue operating in India.