Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated on Wednesday that India committed “a horrific mistake” by believing it could interfere as aggressively as it allegedly did in Canada’s sovereignty. This statement came two days after Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, linking them to the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada and suggesting a wider campaign to target Indian dissidents within the country.

Trudeau’s remarks represent the most forceful stance he has taken in a year-long dispute that has severely strained bilateral relations. He emphasized, “The Indian government made a horrific mistake in thinking that they could interfere as aggressively as they did in the safety and sovereignty of Canada,” during an independent investigation into foreign interference in Canadian politics.

India’s foreign ministry released a brief two-line statement asserting that Trudeau’s remarks validated New Delhi’s position that Canada has not presented any evidence to back its claims against Indian diplomats.

“The blame for the harm caused to India-Canada relations rests solely with Prime Minister Trudeau,” the statement from the foreign ministry indicated. Trudeau mentioned that Ottawa might implement additional measures to safeguard Canadians but refrained from providing specifics. India has rejected the allegations of interference and has expelled six Canadian diplomats in a reciprocal action.