In response to Canadian sanctions imposed on March 24, Russia has decided to ban nine Canadian citizens from entering its territory indefinitely, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

Canada imposed new sanctions on nine Russian officials over "gross and systematic violations of human rights in Russia," prompting the Kremlin to vow a response.

"In response to the illegal sanctions imposed by the Canadian government on March 24, 2021, against citizens of Russia under the far-fetched pretext of allegedly persecuting Russian citizen Alexey Navalny, convicted of illegal acts, it was decided to ban the entry to Russia on an indefinite basis for the following persons holding Canadian citizenship," Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Moscow said Canada continues to support an anti-Russian agenda in the international arena, adding that the banned citizens were involved in pursuing this course. 

The ministry said that while Canada's actions led to the deterioration of bilateral ties, Russia remains open to developing a "relationship on the basis of mutual respect."

Canada's Foreign Ministry said the punitive measures unveiled on Monday were unacceptable and unfounded.

"We remain deeply concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation in Russia and the shrinking space for civil society and independent voices. We stand by these Canadians that have been targeted," it said in a statement. 

The banned citizens include Canada's Justice Minister and Attorney General David Lametti, Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada Anne Kelly and Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Brenda Lucki.

(With input from Reuters, Xinhua)