Ottawa-On 23 June 1985, Air India Flight 182 ‘Kanishka’, operating on the Montreal–London, U.K.–Delhi route, exploded mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Ireland. The flight, operated by India’s then national carrier, was brought down by a cowardly act of terrorism.
The terrorist bombing resulted in the killing of all 329 crew and passengers (of which 82 were children below the age of 13) including 268 Canadian citizens (largely of Indian-origin), 27 British citizens, 22 American citizens and 24 Indian citizens. The incident revealed to the world the heavy cost that terrorism could inflict on humanity and shook the world’s conscience. The AI-182 bombing remains one of the worst disasters in global aviation history and a deeply painful chapter in our shared human story. The bombing was the result of a conspiracy conceived, planned, and executed in Canada. Most of its victims were Canadians. The perpetrators and co-conspirators of this heinous act are yet to face justice.
In May 2006, the Government of Canada appointed a Commission of Inquiry to examine (a) the events surrounding the Air India bombing, (b) the subsequent investigation carried out by the relevant agencies, and (c) to identify gaps in Canada’s security and intelligence system. On 16 June 2010, nearly 25 years after the bombing, the Government of Canada received the final report of the Commission of Inquiry titled, ‘Air India Flight 182: A Canadian Tragedy’ which was a damning indictment of actions taken before and after the tragedy. The Commission identified numerous mistakes that were committed around the time of the bombing, including as regards the treatment of the victims’ families.
The pain and grief of the families left behind continue to resonate across generations. The aches and echoes of that dastardly terrorist act, even after 41 years, are still with us. And they demand redressal and closure. It is deeply painful that many of the perpetrators and co-conspirators of this heinous crime remain free. The memory of those we lost demands that the international community never forgets, and never relents, in its pursuit of accountability. The tragedy of Kanishka reminds us of the continuing threat posed by terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms. While 41 years have passed since the cowardly act, terrorism has unfortunately assumed proportions of an existential threat to international peace and security today. It knows no borders, nationality, or race, and is a challenge that the international community faces and needs to combat collectively.
Last year on April 22, the world was again shaken by a barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India. In his address to the nation on 12 May 2025, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi stated: “Our greatest strength is our unity against all forms of terrorism. This is certainly not the era of war, but it is also not the era of terrorism. Zero tolerance against terrorism is the guarantee for a better world.” These words echo the truest tribute we can offer the victims of Flight 182: unwavering resolve to fight terrorism and hold its enablers accountable.
At the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 (Kanishka) bombing in Ahakista, Cork, Ireland on 23 June, 2025, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri stated : “The world needs to come together–not only in isolated episodes of solemn mourning such as these, but in collective, proactive efforts to combat terrorism.” He also reiterated India’s unwavering resolve to honour the memory of the victims by striving for global peace and security stating, “Let today’s commemoration be a united message – those who spread hate and terror will never prevail over humanity, democracy, and friendship.”
Any act glorifying terrorism, including the bombing of AI-182 ‘Kanishka’ in 1985, is deplorable and should be condemned by all peace-loving countries and people. It is unfortunate that even today space is provided to extremist elements who glorify the bombing of AI-182 as well as hold violent protests in Canada during solemn occasions including the anniversary of the Kanishka bombing. Government of India’s long-standing position on appropriate action against the perpetrators of this ghastly tragedy, in order to bring justice to the victims, is well known. On this 41st anniversary, we honour the memory of the victims. We reaffirm our shared commitment-across nations and communities-to justice, peace, and a world free from the scourge of terrorism. As in previous years, the High Commission of India in Ottawa and the Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver joined the families of the victims and members of the Indian diaspora to solemnly commemorate the memory of those lost in this senseless act of terror. Ceremonies held on 23 June 2026 in Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal were marked by dignity, remembrance, and resolve.
