Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Urges Global Action Against Terrorism at Memorial Ceremony in Ireland
Ahakista, Ireland / New Delhi, 23 June 2025 – India joined Ireland and Canada on Sunday to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing—one of the deadliest aviation terror attacks in history. The international memorial service was held in Ahakista, County Cork, Ireland, near the site where the aircraft fell into the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 329 people on board, including over 80 children.
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, represented India at the ceremony. Addressing dignitaries and families of the victims, he called for renewed global unity in the fight against terrorism.
“The world needs to come together – not only in moments of mourning like this, but in sustained, coordinated efforts to eradicate terrorism,” Shri Puri said.
Recalling the events of June 23, 1985, the Minister described the bombing as a “deliberate, heinous act” carried out by extremist elements based in Canada, aimed at dividing India. He stressed that terrorism is not just a chapter from the past, but an ongoing global challenge.
“India has faced terrorism for decades—from Jammu & Kashmir to Punjab to Mumbai,” Shri Puri noted, adding that global terrorism-related deaths surged by 22% in 2024 alone.
In a direct appeal to the Canadian government, Shri Puri called for deeper bilateral cooperation in combating extremism. Highlighting the strong cultural and economic ties between India and Canada, he urged enhanced intelligence sharing, counter-radicalization initiatives, and disruption of terror financing networks.
“India stands ready to work hand-in-hand with all nations committed to peace and security. We must ensure that tragedies like the Kanishka bombing are never repeated,” he said.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to the Irish people and government for their compassion in 1985, when local residents opened their homes to grieving families. He acknowledged the continued friendship between India and Ireland, which has grown into a robust partnership, with bilateral trade reaching nearly USD 16 billion in 2023.
The memorial was attended by Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Canadian Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, Irish officials, first responders, and relatives of the victims. Together, they paid tribute to those who lost their lives and reaffirmed a shared commitment to peace.
Concluding his remarks, Shri Puri said,
“Let today’s commemoration be a united message to the world: those who spread hate and terror will never triumph over humanity, democracy, and friendship.”
