Although the tit-for-tat move sent bilateral relations skidding to a new low, the prime ministers of India and Canada are unlikely to mind too much.

Experts say the confrontation between India and Canada over the killing of a Sikh activist could affect India's ambitions as it seeks to position itself as a global power, according to AP. Michael Kugelman of the US-based Wilson Center think tank said India's strong reaction is partly due to how publicly Canada has made its accusations.

Canada has yet to provide evidence for Trudeau's claims of Indian officials' links to pro-Khalistani separatist Nijjar's murder, escalating diplomatic tensions.