India ordered the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats today, Monday, and withdrew its envoy from Canada in response to what it said was Ottawa's decision to designate him and others as “persons of interest” in an investigation.

India did not provide details on this investigation, but relations between the two countries have been strained since 2023 when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had evidence linking Indian agents to the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader on Canadian soil.

India has consistently denied Trudeau's allegations. New Delhi announced on Monday its rejection of Canada's actions regarding the investigation and accused Trudeau of having a “political agenda.”

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, “We do not trust the current Canadian government's commitment to ensuring their security. Therefore, the Government of India has decided to withdraw the High Commissioner and targeted diplomats and officials.”

It later added that it has requested the six Canadian diplomats to leave the country by Saturday and summoned Canadian chargés d'affaires Stewart Wheeler to announce its protest.

India has repeatedly stated that Canada has not shared any evidence supporting its claims.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said earlier on Monday, “This latest step comes after interactions that once again saw assertions without any facts. This leaves no doubt that under the pretext of the investigation, there is a deliberate strategy to tarnish India's reputation for political gains.”

Canada withdrew over 40 diplomats from India in October 2023 after New Delhi asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence.

In June, a committee of Canadian parliamentarians classified India and China as the main external threats to its democratic institutions, based on reports from intelligence agencies.

The United States also claimed that Indian agents were involved in an assassination attempt on another Sikh separatist leader in New York in 2023, stating that it charged an Indian national acting at the request of an unnamed Indian government official.

India expressed concern after the United States raised this issue, distancing itself from the conspiracy and initiating an investigation.

The allegations of assassination plots against Sikh separatist leaders in Canada and the United States have tested their relationship with India as they seek to establish deeper ties with the country to counter China's growing global influence.

The Canadian government has not publicly confirmed whether it has identified any Indian official as a person of interest.

Wheeler confirmed Trudeau's allegations on Monday, stating in a statement, “Canada has provided reliable, incontrovertible evidence that demonstrates a connection between agents of the Indian government and the murder of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil.”

He added, “It is now time for India to fulfill its commitments and address these claims.”

India has repeatedly stated that Canada has not sent it any evidence supporting the allegations.