Tensions are rising between India and Canada over the death of a religious leader. The two nations have each decided to expel a diplomat from the other country. This comes after Ottawa said credible information revealed that the New Delhi government was involved in the killing of a Sikh leader. The murder took place in Canada in June.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke about the matter in Parliament on Monday. He said the case had been thoroughly investigated. The prime minister said, "Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty."

Canada's foreign minister announced the expulsion of an Indian diplomat on the same day. Ottawa suspects the envoy was involved in the case.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar was a Canadian citizen. He was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in the province of British Columbia. Nijjar was reportedly a supporter of the Sikh independence movement in India. Nearly 800,000 Sikhs are citizens of Canada.

India's government has rejected the allegations. Its foreign ministry released a statement. It said that separatists in Canada have been given shelter. It also said that the Canadian government is allowing those people to engage in activities.

India summoned the high commissioner of Canada on Tuesday. It informed the commissioner that it had decided to expel a senior Canadian diplomat.

The two countries have been trying to strengthen economic and trade ties. The issue could deal a blow to bilateral relations.