India has paid tribute to the victims of the tragic Air India Kanishka bombing, which occurred 40 years ago, with a high-level delegation led by the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri. Hardeep Singh Puri, visiting Ireland for a commemoration event.
The visit, which took place on June 23, 2025, marked the 40th anniversary of the Air India Kanishka (AI 182) bombing, one of the worst acts of terrorism in Canadian history. A high-level delegation from the Government of India, comprising senior legislators from various states, including Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Delhi, represented the country at the event.
The Commemoration Event was held at the Ahakista Memorial in Cork, Ireland, which was hosted by the Mayor of County Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll. The event was attended by Prime Minister of Ireland, H.E. Mr. Micheál Martin, and Minister of Public Safety of Canada, H.E. Mr. Gary Anandasangaree, as well as a number of families of the victims.
During the event, Hon’ble Minister Shri. Hardeep Singh Puri laid a wreath and paid homage to the victims of the AI 182 bombing tragedy. He paid tributes to the community of Ahakista and people of Ireland for their spirit in solidarity with the families of the victims. The Minister reiterated that the bombing was an act of terrorism, which was a stain on humanity, and called upon the global community to remember the shared responsibility for fighting terrorism.
Speaking on the occasion, the Canadian Minister of Public Safety noted that the bombing of Air India Flight 182, 40 years ago, remains the single worst act of terrorism and mass murder in Canadian history. The Irish Prime Minister termed the bombing as cruel and horrific, adding that the passing of time did not dim the scale of loss and atrocity.
During their visit, the Hon’ble Minister and the delegation also addressed a gathering of family members of victims of the AI 182 flight tragedy and Indian diaspora members in a solemn ceremony held at the Embassy of India premises in Dublin. The Minister conveyed India’s continued support for the family members of the victims and stressed on India’s firm stand on combating terrorism and the requirement of strong international cooperation and understanding on the matter.
The delegation also interacted with the media during their visit, providing an opportunity for Indian journalists to share their perspective on this tragic event.