India confirmed on Thursday its demand for a further reduction of the Canadian diplomatic presence, following reports of New Delhi's orders to recall dozens of foreign service employees amid a dispute over the killing of a separatist Sikh.

The spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Arindam Bagchi, did not confirm a report in the Financial Times which stated that Canada was asked to recall 41 diplomats out of 62 by October 10.

New Delhi also rejected Canada's accusations as "absurd," which was followed by a reciprocal expulsion of diplomats, and India halted consideration of visa applications for Canadians.

Relations between Ottawa and New Delhi have deteriorated following Canada's hint at New Delhi's involvement in the shooting death of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nagar on June 18 in the Surrey area of Vancouver.

Returning to the statements of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, he also stated, "I assumed there would be a reduction" in the Canadian diplomatic presence after requesting Ottawa to ensure parity in diplomatic representation.

He added to reporters, "Because the presence of Canadian diplomats here is much larger, and due to their ongoing interference in our internal affairs, we sought parity in our diplomatic presence."

In turn, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed last Tuesday that his country is seeking to avoid escalating the situation.

This matter could also complicate U.S. government initiatives toward India, after the two countries have improved their relations in recent years.