The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated today, Tuesday, that his country is not looking to escalate relations with New Delhi amid reports of India deporting about 40 Canadian diplomats.

Trudeau commented on a report by the "Financial Times" which mentioned that India requested the return of approximately 40 Canadian diplomats to their home country by October 10: "We do not intend to escalate the situation," adding that Ottawa will continue to work towards establishing a "constructive relationship with India during these difficult times."

Earlier on Tuesday, the "Financial Times" reported, citing sources, that India asked Canada to recall 41 diplomats, and according to them, New Delhi threatened to deny Canadian representatives on this list diplomatic immunity if they remained in India beyond the set date.

It is noted that the number of Canadian diplomats in India amounts to 62, and both the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indian government declined to comment on this news when approached by the "Financial Times."

To remind, relations between Canada and India have soured since Ottawa decided on September 18 to expel a senior Indian diplomat due to allegations that Indian intelligence agencies were involved in the murder of Canadian Sikh leader Hardip Singh Nagar.

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stated that this diplomat is a representative of Indian intelligence. Joly warned that Canada will not tolerate any interference in its affairs.

Subsequently, the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Canadian Ambassador Cameron Mackay and announced to him a similar retaliatory decision from New Delhi. The Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that Canadian politicians openly sympathize with Khalistani terrorists and extremists, which causes deep concern, and the Indian embassy in Ottawa has halted the issuance of visas, advising Indian citizens to avoid traveling to Canada.