40 Years Since Air India Kanishka (Flight 182) Tragedy: World needs to unite against terrorism, says Hardeep Singh Puri

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday that the world needs to come together not only in isolated episodes of solemn mourning but also in collective, proactive efforts to combat terrorism. The minister was speaking at the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 (Kanishka) bombing in Ahakista, Cork, Ireland. Calling on the international community to unite against terrorism, Puri said that terrorism and extremism are not issues of the past but present-day threats that continue to endanger innocent lives across the world.

Remembering Air India Kanishka (Flight 182) Bombing

Recalling the tragedy of June 23, 1985, when Air India's Flight 182 was destroyed mid-air by a bomb planted by Canada-based terrorists, killing all 329 on board, including over 80 children, the minister said that the tragedy was not an accident but a “deliberate, heinous act carried out by fringe elements seeking to divide India.”

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, Canadian Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, local Irish officials, first responders, and the victims' families attended the ceremony. 

'Indians have endured bombings, assassinations, atrocities,' says Hardeep Singh Puri

“India has suffered the scourge of terrorism for decades--from Jammu & Kashmir to Punjab to Mumbai. Time and again, our people have endured bombings, assassinations, and atrocities,” he said, noting that countries across the world are grappling with this problem.

The minister also highlighted that global terrorism-related deaths increased by 22 per cent in 2024.

Describing Canada as "a valued partner and friend", Puri called upon the Government of Canada to join India in countering this shared threat. Puri also urged for deeper collaboration between the two nations through intelligence sharing, counter-radicalisation efforts, and the disruption of terror financing.

“India stands ready to do more. Our security agencies, intelligence apparatus, and diplomatic channels are fully committed to partnering with the world to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated," he said. 

Puri acknowledged and thanked the people of Ahakista and the Irish government for their compassion in the aftermath of the 1985 tragedy.

“They opened their homes and hearts to grieving families—an act of humanity that continues to inspire," he said. 

The unique friendship forged between India and Ireland in the wake of the disaster has blossomed into strong bilateral ties, with trade reaching nearly $16 billion in 2023, noted Puri. 

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The Union Minister reiterated India’s unwavering resolve to honour the memory of the victims by striving for global peace and security.

“Let today’s commemoration be a united message—those who spread hate and terror will never prevail over humanity, democracy, and friendship," he said.