Puri, Irish PM, Canadian Minister Pay Tribute at Cork Memorial Ceremony
In a solemn and emotionally charged ceremony, top officials from India, Canada, and Ireland gathered on June 23, 2025, to mark the 40th anniversary of the Kanishka bombing—one of the worst aviation terror attacks in global history. Held at the Ahakista Memorial on Ireland’s scenic coast, the event paid tribute to the 329 victims of Air India Flight 182, which was destroyed mid-air by a suitcase bomb on June 23, 1985.
Union Minister Hardeep Puri, Irish PM Martin, Canadian Minister Anandasangaree pay tribute to victims of Kanishka bombing
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The tragedy, orchestrated by Khalistani separatist elements, primarily Babbar Khalsa, claimed the lives of 268 Canadians, 27 Britons, and 24 Indians. The ill-fated aircraft, named “Emperor Kanishka,” was en route from Montreal to Delhi via London when it exploded off the Irish coast—leaving no survivors.
Global Leaders Call for Justice and Unity on 40th Anniversary of Kanishka Bombing
At the forefront of the commemoration was India’s Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, who referred to the bombing as “India’s 9/11”, highlighting its enduring legacy as a global lesson in the dangers of transnational terrorism. Puri reaffirmed India’s demand for a zero-tolerance approach toward extremism and urged international partners to deny sanctuary to terrorist elements, referencing Canada’s past handling of Khalistan-linked groups.
Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin laid a wreath and offered a heartfelt message of solidarity: “Ireland shares the grief of the victims’ families and remains committed to global aviation safety.” Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, representing the country with the most victims, acknowledged the need for “continued accountability” and pledged renewed efforts to investigate unresolved aspects of the case.
The event included the reading of all 329 names, a lone piper’s lament, and a call for the creation of an international digital memorial archive. Ministers also discussed the idea of launching youth scholarships in memory of the victims. As the world marks four decades since the tragedy, the unified presence of Indian, Irish, and Canadian leaders sent a powerful message: terrorism may transcend borders, but so does justice, memory, and international solidarity.
