Dublin
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri led an Indian delegation on Monday to pay tribute to the victims of the 1985 Air India Kanishka bombing at the Ahakista Memorial in Ireland. The event marked the 40th anniversary of the tragic incident and was attended by Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin and Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree.
Air India Flight 182 was traveling from Montreal to Mumbai when it was destroyed mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean on June 23, 1985. A bomb planted in its cargo hold exploded, killing all 329 people on board, most of whom were Canadian citizens of Indian origin.
The Indian delegation also included BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh and elected representatives from five Indian states. Speaking at the memorial, Minister Puri emphasized that terrorism continues to threaten global peace and must be tackled through collective international action.
He stated, Terrorism is not a problem of the past. It still endangers innocent lives every day. He highlighted India’s decades-long battle against terrorism, from Jammu and Kashmir to Mumbai, and urged nations to remain united in this fight.
Minister Puri also called on the Canadian government to deepen cooperation with India. He stressed the need for enhanced intelligence sharing, stronger efforts to counter radicalization, and steps to block funding for terrorist networks.
He said that India and Canada, bound by strong cultural and democratic ties, must work together to prevent such tragedies and promote global security.