India Calls for Global Unity Against Terror at Air India Flight 182 Memorial in Ireland

At a poignant ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 (Kanishka) bombing, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri delivered a powerful message urging the international community to unite in the fight against terrorism. The commemoration, held on June 23, 2025, in Ahakista, Cork, Ireland—the coastal village where debris from the aircraft washed ashore—brought together dignitaries, grieving families, and citizens of multiple nations in remembrance of one of the deadliest acts of aviation terrorism.

Remembering the 1985 Tragedy

The Air India Flight 182, en route from Montreal to Delhi via London, was brought down by a bomb planted by Canada-based Khalistani extremists on June 23, 1985. The mid-air explosion off the coast of Ireland claimed the lives of all 329 individuals on board, including 86 children and 268 Canadian citizens of Indian origin. Shri Puri emphasized that this atrocity was not a random occurrence but a calculated act by radical elements aiming to destabilize India and spread fear.

“The bombing of Flight 182 was not merely a tragedy—it was a heinous attack on humanity and a direct blow to our democratic ideals,” he declared.

Terrorism: A Present-Day Crisis

Shri Puri used the occasion to draw attention to the ongoing threat posed by terrorism globally. He pointed to recent data highlighting a 22% increase in terrorism-related deaths worldwide in 2024 alone, underlining the urgency for a coordinated response. “Terrorism is not a relic of the past. From the valleys of Kashmir to the streets of Mumbai, India continues to bear its brutal consequences. But we are not alone—every region, every continent now shares this burden.”

Message to Canada: Time for Deeper Collaboration

Directly addressing Canada, Shri Puri expressed the importance of moving beyond condolences to cooperation. Acknowledging Canada as a “valued partner and friend,” he urged for more robust collaboration in intelligence sharing, dismantling extremist networks, and disrupting terror financing. “India stands ready to do more. Our diplomatic and security channels are open and committed. We must act together to ensure such horrors never repeat,” he affirmed.

Honouring Irish Compassion and Strengthened Bilateral Ties

In a deeply emotional segment, the Minister paid tribute to the people of Ahakista and the Irish government, who provided extraordinary support to the grieving families in 1985. “Their compassion during the darkest days of our collective memory remains a beacon of hope. They opened their homes and hearts—an act of enduring humanity,” he said.

This tragedy also sparked a unique bond between India and Ireland. Shri Puri highlighted that bilateral relations have since flourished, with trade between the two nations nearing USD 16 billion in 2023—a testament to the growing strategic and economic partnership forged through shared values and empathy.

A Gathering of Global Mourning and Resolve

The ceremony was attended by Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Canadian Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, local Irish leaders, first responders from the 1985 tragedy, and families of the victims. In a moment of shared mourning, floral tributes were laid at the memorial site, followed by prayers and reflections.

Shri Puri emphasized that the ceremony must serve not just as remembrance but as a collective reaffirmation of global solidarity. “Let today’s commemoration be more than remembrance—let it be a proclamation that those who spread hate and terror will never prevail over humanity, democracy, and friendship.”

A Future Rooted in Peace and Vigilance

As the world reflects on the legacy of the Kanishka bombing, Shri Puri’s call resonates beyond diplomacy—it is a reminder of the shared responsibility of nations to prevent extremism, honour the memory of the innocent, and build a safer world. His message was not merely for India or Canada but for the conscience of the global community.

In closing, Shri Puri reaffirmed India’s commitment to global peace: “The best tribute to the victims is our pledge to fight terrorism in all its forms, with unity, resolve, and compassion.”