India on Thursday said there is a degree of prejudice in Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegations against it on the killing of a Khalistani separatist in Canada and termed these as "politically motivated", reports PTI

The Ministry of External Affairs said Canada did not share any specific information with India on the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case.

India and Canada are embroiled in a diplomatic row over the killing of Nijjar. The row erupted following Trudeau's allegations of a "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of the separatist leader.

When asked at a press conference whether New Delhi has apprised its views to its leading allies on the diplomatic row with Canada, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has conveyed its position.

He also said the Indian high commission and consulates in Canada are temporarily unable to process visa applications in view of disruption of work due to security issues.

“Their numbers here are very much higher than India’s diplomatic presence… We have seen Canadian diplomatic interference in our internal affairs. This is being taken into account and parity is being sought in rank and diplomatic strength,” said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.

He added that New Delhi expects Canada to address concerns over terrorism and anti-India activities in that country.

“Safe haven is being provided in Canada… We want the Canadian government to not do so and take action against those who have terrorism charges or send them here to face justice… We’ve sought either extradition request or assistance related to that, at least more than 20-25 individuals we’ve requested over the years but the response has not been helpful at all,” Bagchi said.

On a question of reports of threats to Canadian diplomats in India, Bagchi said India takes its obligations very seriously and will certainly provide all security to foreign diplomats in the country. “We also expect Canadian authorities to show similar sensitivity to our diplomats in Canada,” he added.

Earlier in the day, India stopped visa services in Canada, a day after New Delhi issued a strongly worded advisory to Indian nationals in Canada, warning against “anti-India activities” and “politically-condoned hate crimes”.

Diplomatic ties between both nations strained after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged the involvement of the Indian government in the killing of Nijjar in Canada earlier this year.

Nijjar, a Canadian national, was the head of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib in Surrey. He was killed on June 18 after being shot by unidentified assailants on the premises of the gurdwara.