NEW DELHI: India on Thursday announced temporarily suspending issuance of visas to Canadian citizens in view of “security threats” faced by its high commission and consulates in Canada, amid an escalating diplomatic row over Ottawa’s allegations relating to the killing of a Khalistani separatist on Canadian soil.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the decision will include Canadian visa applicants in third countries even as he said Canada must act against the pro-Khalistani elements operating from its territory.

He said all categories of visas have been suspended.

India is temporarily unable to process visa applications from Canada because of the “security threats” faced by our high commission and consulates in Canada, Bagchi said at a media briefing.

Bagchi said the situation will be reviewed regularly.

“The issue is not about travel to India. Those who have valid visas and documents like OCI cards are free to travel to India,” he said.

“The issue is the incitement of violence, the inaction by the Canadian authorities, creation of an environment that disrupts the functioning of our high commission and consulates,” he said.

India also asked Canada to downsize its diplomatic staff in the country arguing that there should be parity in strength and rank equivalence in the mutual diplomatic presence.