India on Thursday took a veiled shot China over the guidelines issued by its embassy in New Delhi to the Indian media to not violate the "One-China" policy ahead of the national day of Taiwan, saying there is a "free media" in the country. "There is a free media in India that reports on issues as it sees fit," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at a media briefing. The spokesperson said this when asked for comments about a letter sent to journalists by the Chinese embassy that called for honouring the "One-China" policy.

"All countries that have diplomatic relations with China should firmly honour their commitment to the One-China policy, which is also the long-standing official position of the Indian government," the letter dated October 7 said. "We hope Indian media can stick to Indian government's position on Taiwan question and do not violate the One-China principle," it said.