'Canada is not aiming to aggravate the issue,' says Justin Trudeau, as India demands over 40 ambassadors to leave.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to media outside his office on Parliament Hill in Ottawa (REUTERS)

On Tuesday, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated that his country was "not aiming to aggravate the issue" with India. The statements came only hours after New Delhi was reported to have summoned more than 40 ambassadors to leave the country.

"Canada has no intention of escalating the issue with India." Will continue to interact with New Delhi in a responsible and productive manner. "We want to be on the ground in India to assist Canadian families," Trudeau said, according to Reuters.

The Financial Times reported earlier on Tuesday that India has requested the return of 41 diplomats by October 10. Individuals who do not comply with the deadline risk having their diplomatic immunity withdrawn.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Trudeau, however, failed to confirm the claims of expulsion.

For several weeks, relations between India and Canada have been strained after Trudeau stated that there were "credible claims" of New Delhi's participation in the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In June, masked gunmen assassinated the 45-year-old Sikh separatist leader, a Canadian citizen. Indian officials vigorously refuted the charges, even as Ottawa backed up its assertions.

Since then, both governments have removed a senior diplomat, and India has cancelled Canadian visas. During the G20 conference in New Delhi earlier this month, Trudeau had heated exchanges with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A few days later, Canada cancelled a scheduled trade trip to India for the fall.

Nijjar's death was the subject of intelligence. According to a New York Times story citing sources, Trudeau's charges were motivated by "shared intelligence among Five Eyes allies."

Meanwhile, American authorities are reported to have informed Ottawa with intelligence on Nijjar's death. According to a New York Times story citing sources, Trudeau's charges were motivated by "shared intelligence among Five Eyes allies." The claims have left the Joe Biden administration in an untenable diplomatic position, with officials admitting the issue but avoiding assigning blame.

(With agency contributions)