WADA made the decision after identifying non-conformities with international standards.

These included problems with a test which can help detect the presence of steroids in an anti-doping sample.

The suspension prevents the facility in the Indian city from carrying out any anti-doping activities, including all analyses of urine and blood samples.

All samples will have to be transferred to another WADA-accredited laboratory during its period of suspension.

"This is in order to ensure continued high-quality sample analysis, which also helps preserve athletes' confidence in this process and the wider anti-doping system," WADA said.

It is feasible the suspension could be lifted sooner than six months if the laboratory corrects the issues uncovered by WADA, but it could also be extended if it fails to do so.

The National Dope Testing Laboratory is also able to appeal the decision from the global anti-doping watchdog to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The laboratory in New Delhi is one of two suspended by WADA.

The Helsinki Laboratory is self-suspended "while it finalises its plan to relocate to a new facility, under a new host organisation".

The Bucharest Laboratory was reinstated earlier this year, despite a WADA investigation finding the director general and President of the Romanian National Anti-Doping Agency had directed officials at the facility to cover up positive doping tests of at least three athletes.

The two officials were replaced prior to the reinstatement of the laboratory, which had completed the required corrective actions.