India’s foreign ministry denied the claim, calling it “absurd and motivated,” and said in a statement it is expelling a Canadian envoy amid “growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in our internal matters and their involvement in anti-India activities.”

Trudeau has raised the issue with President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Canadian officials have confronted India with the claims.

Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said if the allegations prove true, it would constitute a “grave violation” of Canadian sovereignty.

The conflict comes amid strained relations between the two countries. Canada abruptly suspended a trade mission with India Friday.