As the diplomatic standoff between India and Canada continues, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has admitted for the first time the presence of Khalistanis in his country.

Khalistani extremist Arshdeep Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla is likely to have been arrested in Canada’s Ontario province following a shooting incident, sources said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made significant remarks at a Diwali event in Ottawa last week, addressing concerns over the influence of pro-Khalistan separatists in Canada.

His remarks come amid a diplomatic row between India and Canada, following the murder of pro-Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, Surrey, in June 2023.

Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have escalated as Prime Minister Trudeau acknowledged the presence of Khalistani supporters in Canada, while both nations continue to clash over the unsolved killing of Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has publicly stated that pro-Khalistan separatists do not represent the entire Sikh community in Canada. This statement followed an attack on a consular camp in Brampton by pro-Khalistan individuals.

Trudeau’s admission came just days after a violent altercation erupted outside a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, where pro-Khalistan protesters clashed with worshippers.

The Khalistani extremism has witnessed an unprecedented rise putting the diplomatic relations between the two nations in a tailspin. Amid this, Canadian PM Trudeau has made a big admission over Khalistani's presence.