India’s foreign ministry on Thursday again called for a reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats in India, citing their continued “interference” in New Delhi’s “internal affairs.”

“Given the much higher presence of diplomats or diplomatic presence here… and their continued interference in our internal affairs, we have sought parity in our respective diplomatic presence. Discussions on the modalities to achieve this are ongoing,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said while addressing the press conference.

“Given Canada’s increased diplomatic presence, we would expect there would be a reduction,” he added.

Asked whether the reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats could lead to a decline in the number of visas issued by the Canadian High Commission in India, Bagchi said: “It is up to the Canadian side who they choose to fill the high commission.” …our concerns relate to ensuring parity in the diplomatic presence.”

He further added that India’s main focus is on two things; There is an atmosphere in Canada where Indian diplomats can work properly and parity is achieved in terms of diplomatic strength.

Two weeks ago, New Delhi asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in India.

Ties between India and Canada came under severe pressure after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in June alleged “possible” involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India dismissed the allegations as “absurd” and “motivated” and expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, equivalent to Ottawa’s expulsion of an Indian official in the case.

The Financial Times reported earlier this week that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had told Canada it must repatriate 41 of the 62 diplomats currently in India by October 10. The Government of Canada has an embassy in New Delhi and consulates in Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Mumbai.

Relations between the nations fell to their lowest level in decades after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

*With agency input