India Joins Ireland and Canada in Remembering Victims of Air India Kanishka Bombing on 40th Anniversary

Along with Canada and Ireland India celebrated the 40 th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 (Kanishka) bombing which took place on June 23, 1985. It was a bomb planted by Canada-based terrorists who killed 329 of them including more than 80 children. There was a commemoration in Ahakista, Ireland, to which Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri asserted that the world must be united in a bid to counter terrorism because it is a current threat. He also encouraged Canada to team up with India when it comes to the fight against terrorism and improving intelligence cooperation and counter-radicalization sprees. The incident was a painful reminder that the world should continue cooperating to deal with terrorism.

Context

• As a commemoration event, which occurred on the 40 th anniversary of the Air India Kanishka bombing, India, Ireland, and Canada united to memorialise the victims. 

• Hardeep Singh Puri urged the world to unite against terrorism and partner India and Canada more.

Key Developments:

The Tragic Incident & its Consequences:

• Covered date: June 23, 1985 - Canada based terrorist bomb Air India Flight 182.

• Casualties: 329 individuals died, of which more than eighty are children.

• Nature: Terrorists act with intentions.

Indian Response to Terrorism- GLOBAL APPEAL INDIA:

• Minister Hardeep Singh Puri: Called on the world to support it in fighting terrorism.

• Key Points:

  • Terrorism is a constant world problem.

  • India has been long worn out- Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Mumbai attacks.

  • They reported that death cases related to terror increased globally by 22 percent in the year 2024.

India-Canada Partnership:

• Regions of cooperation are demanded.

• Intelligence sharing.

• Counter-radicalization strategies.

• Interruption of the terror funding.

• Stressed on very strong cultural and economic connections as the foundation of closer collaboration.

Remembering & International solidarity:

• Place of the Event: Ahakista, Ireland.

• The ceremony was attended by the Irish PM Micheal Martin, Canadian Minister Gary Anandasangaree and first responders.

• Puri appreciated the help of Ireland to the victims' families.

• India Ireland Relations: The relations have improved since the tragedy; bilateral trade between the two countries has reached 16 billion USD (2023).

Sermon of Solidarity and will:

• Tribute reaffirmed the idea to combat terrorism all over the world.

• Laid stress on the idea that hate and terror cannot conquer humanity, democracy and friendship.

Conclusion

The 40th anniversary of the Air India Kanishka bombing was a memorable moment on the horrible effects of the terrorism. The commemoration strengthened the cooperation of the world to fight against terrorism and provide good bilateral relations between nations such as India, Canada, and Ireland. The message of unity and determination that was delivered by Hardeep Singh Puri underlined that the battle against terrorism should be fought united and should remain committed towards the ideal of peace, democracy, and humanity.