TRANSCRIPT:
Citing Canadian diplomatic interference in India's affairs and security threats to its staff in its consulates in Canada, India's Foreign Ministry has announced a temporary halt to visa applications.
The announcement from foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi comes hours after Canada's High Commission in India said it would temporarily "adjust" staff presence in the country, after some diplomats received threats on social media platforms.
Mr Bagchi says the Indian Foreign Ministry is monitoring the situation.
"You are aware of the security threats being faced by our high commission and consulates in Canada. This has disrupted their normal functioning. Accordingly, our high commission and consulates are temporarily unable to process visa applications. We will be reviewing the situation on regular basis."
The steps mark further escalation of tensions between the two countries set off by Canada's announcement that it was actively pursuing credible allegations linking Indian government agents to the murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June.
Nijjar was shot dead by two masked assailants outside the Sikh temple he presided over in Surrey, an outer suburb of Vancouver.
BLS International, an Indian company offering visa facilities, says the notice from the Indian mission in Canada cited operational reasons for the suspension of visa services until further notice.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government categorically denied any links to the alleged murder.
Mr Bagchi says the Indian side is willing to review any information Canada has on the allegations.
"No specific information has been shared by Canada on this case (murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar) either then or before or after…We have, as we have said, I think we've made very clear, we are willing to look at any specific information, we have conveyed this to the Canadian side, made it clear to them that we are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us, but so far we have not received any such specific information, indirect question on that."
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged India to co-operate with an investigation into the murder of the Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia, adding that Canada will not be releasing its evidence at this stage.
"As I said, on Monday, there are credible reasons to believe that agents of the government of India were involved in the killing of a Canadian on Canadian soil. That is something of the utmost and foundational importance in a country of rule of law, in a world where international rules-based order matters."
Mr Trudeau says his country's relationship with India is still important, but that the need to uncover the truth of the killing outweighs that.
"There is no question that India is a country of growing importance and a country that we need to continue to work with, not just in the region, but around the world. And we're not looking to provoke or cause problems, but we are unequivocal around the importance of the rule of law and unequivocal about the importance of protecting Canadians and standing up for our values."
US national security adviser Jake Sullivan says his country remains in touch with India and Canada - and the US would like to see the allegations investigated thoroughly.
"We are in constant contact with our Canadian counterparts. We are consulting with them closely. We support the efforts that they are undertaking in this investigation. And we have also been in touch with the Indian government as well. And I will leave it at that for today, only to say that I have seen in the press some efforts to try to drive a wedge between the United States and Canada on this issue and I firmly reject the idea that there is a wedge between the US and Canada. We have deep concerns about the allegations, and we would like to see this investigation carried forward."
Members of the SIkh community from the Indian city of Amritsar have come forward asking for clarity on the situation.
Security professional Harkirat Singh says the lack of answers is only making matters worse.
"It is really on a sad part, but we need to analyse the situation. Either, is it the Khalistan issue or is it the Indian government involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen? So, until now we are not able to know, what is the right news, what are the facts. But as Canada is... they are claiming that they do have the evidence, they have the agencies, those who are investigating that. So, there could be a flame of fire there behind that. So, I hope that in the coming time, the situation will be more clearly known to the people."
Hardeep Nijjar was shot dead by two masked assailants outside the Sikh temple he presided over in Surrey last June.
An activist for the creation of a Sikh state known as Khalistan, Nijjar was wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder.
He had denied those charges, according to the World Sikh Organization of Canada, a nonprofit organisation that says it defends the interests of Canadian Sikhs.
