India Commemorates Victims of Air India Kanishka Alongside Ireland and Canada
Speaking at the 40th anniversary commemoration of the Air India Flight 182 bombing in Ahakista, Cork, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, emphasized the urgent need for global unity against terrorism. He described the tragic event, which claimed the lives of 329 individuals, as a deliberate act of violence by extremists. Puri called for enhanced collaboration between India and Canada to combat terrorism and highlighted the ongoing threat it poses to innocent lives worldwide.
Remembering the Tragedy
The commemoration ceremony marked a somber reflection on the events of June 23, 1985, when Air India Flight 182 was destroyed by a bomb planted by terrorists based in Canada. This heinous act resulted in the deaths of all 329 passengers and crew members on board, including over 80 children. Minister Puri underscored that this tragedy was not merely an accident but a calculated attack aimed at sowing division within India. He reiterated that terrorism remains a pressing issue today, affecting countless lives across the globe.
Puri pointed out that India has faced the scourge of terrorism for decades, with incidents occurring in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Mumbai. He noted that the threat of terrorism is not confined to history but is a current reality, as evidenced by a 22 percent increase in global terrorism-related deaths in 2024. This alarming statistic highlights the need for a collective response to combat this persistent threat.
Call for International Cooperation
During his address, Puri urged the Government of Canada to join India in addressing the shared threat of terrorism. He emphasized the strong cultural and economic ties between the two nations, stating that they are united by democratic values. The Minister called for deeper collaboration, particularly in areas such as intelligence sharing, counter-radicalization efforts, and disrupting terror financing.
Puri expressed India’s readiness to enhance its cooperation with Canada, asserting that the country’s security agencies and diplomatic channels are fully committed to working with international partners. He emphasized the importance of preventing future tragedies and ensuring that such acts of violence are not repeated.
Gratitude and Bilateral Ties
In his speech, Puri also took a moment to acknowledge the compassion shown by the people of Ahakista and the Irish government following the 1985 tragedy. He expressed gratitude for their support, as they opened their homes and hearts to the grieving families, an act of humanity that continues to inspire. This gesture of kindness has helped forge a unique friendship between India and Ireland, which has since blossomed into strong bilateral relations.
Trade between the two nations reached nearly USD 16 billion in 2023, reflecting the growing economic partnership. Puri highlighted that this relationship is built on mutual respect and shared values, further strengthening the ties between the two countries.
A Message of Hope
In closing, Minister Puri reaffirmed India’s commitment to honoring the memory of the victims of the Air India Flight 182 bombing by striving for global peace and security. He conveyed a powerful message during the commemoration, stating that those who promote hate and terror will never triumph over humanity, democracy, and friendship.
The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Canadian Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, local officials, first responders, and families of the victims. Together, they united in solemn remembrance of the lives lost and the ongoing fight against terrorism.
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