On Kanishka bombing anniversary, India calls for collective global action against terror

India on Monday called for collective global action against terrorism even as a top Canadian diplomat said the June 23, 1985 Air India flight 182 tragedy should be etched in Canadian history because the plotters and bombers lived in Canada.

Speaking at the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 (Kanishka) bombing in Ahakista, Cork, Ireland, today, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said the world needed to come together not only in isolated episodes of solemn mourning but in collective, proactive efforts to combat terrorism.

A grim reminder to world

On the 40th anniversary of Air India 182 Kanishka bombing, we honour the memory of the 329 lives lost in one of the worst acts of terrorism. A stark reminder of why the world must show zero tolerance towards terrorism and violent extremism. — S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister

Leading a seven-member Indian delegation, Puri said the tragedy was not an accident but a “deliberate, heinous act carried out by fringe elements seeking to divide India.” On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182 was destroyed mid-air by a bomb planted by Canada-based terrorists, killing all 329 on board, including over 80 children. The plane exploded off the coast of Ireland at Akahista.

Describing terrorism as present-day threats that continue to endanger the world, the minister said India had suffered the scourge for decades from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab to Mumbai.

“Countries across the world are grappling with terrorism and global terrorism-related deaths have increased by 22 per cent in 2024,” said Puri calling upon Canada to join India in countering the shared threat. “We are bound by democratic traditions,” Puri said urging deeper collaboration with Canada on intelligence sharing, counter-radicalisation and disruption of terror financing.

He said India stands ready to do more and its security agencies and diplomatic channels were fully committed to partnering with the world in ensuring tragedies of terrorism don’t recur. As he joined Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Canadian Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, first responders and families of victims at the remembrance, Puri lauded the people of Ahakista and Irish government for opening their homes and hearts to the grieving families of the tragedy.

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

In other important remarks, Bob Rae, Canada’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said Canadians needed to be aware that people living in our country planned and plotted the placing of a bomb and the explosion of that bomb. “As a Canadian, I feel so strongly that this act of terror must be etched deeply into the texture of the history of our country. It was not something that happened elsewhere. It was planned in our midst,” said Rae, the man tasked with reviewing the AI terrorism case two decades ago when the two main suspects walked free.

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