India has threatened to revoke the diplomatic immunity of 41 Candian diplomats unless they leave the country by October 10.

The move comes amid a stand-off between the two countries over the killing of sikh activist and leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

Reports said that the Canada has a staff of 62 diplomats in its High Commission in Delhi which the Indian government has asked to cut down to 21.

Canada has more diplomats in India than vice versa to cater to the needs of 1.3 million people of Indian descent living in the north American country.

Earlier, India had expelled a high-level Canadian diplomat in retaliation for a similar expulsion by Canada. India has also imposed a visa ban for Canadian citizens.

The move could intensify tensions that began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the House of Commons that his government was looking into ‘credible’ allegations that India’s government could be involved in the killing of Nijjar in Ottawa in June.

The Indian government had denied accusations immediately, although their foreign minister later said that specific information could be discussed.