Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday called upon Canada to intensify bilateral cooperation with India to combat terrorism and extremism, as he paid tribute to the 329 victims of the 1985 Kanishka bombing at a memorial event in Ahakista, Cork.
Speaking on the 40th anniversary of the mid-air bombing of Air India Flight 182, orchestrated by the Canada-based Khalistani terror outfit Babbar Khalsa, Puri emphasized the need for united global action against extremism.
“Canada is a valued partner and friend of India. Our democratic values demand that we work together to root out terrorism in all its forms. When extremist voices find sanctuary and glorify violence, they endanger not just individuals but entire societies,” he said.
Puri stressed that India is willing to enhance collaboration through intelligence sharing, disrupting terror funding, and countering radicalization, while expressing concern over safe havens being offered to separatist elements.
“Our security agencies and diplomatic channels are committed to working with Canada and other partners. We must ensure that what happened on June 23, 1985, is never repeated—not here, not in India, not anywhere in the world.”
Calling the Kanishka bombing one of the worst aviation terror attacks in history, Puri reflected on the enduring pain of the victims’ families and called for renewed global commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity.
“Let this commemoration send a powerful, united message — that terror will never triumph over humanity and democracy.”
Puri led a high-level Indian delegation to the memorial, joined by BJP leaders including Arvinder Singh Lovely, Baldev Singh Aulakh, Gurveer Singh Brar, Narinder Singh Raina, Trilok Singh Cheema, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh, and India’s Ambassador to Ireland Akhilesh Mishra.
The dignitaries laid wreaths at the Ahakista Memorial, where local officials, Irish citizens, and schoolchildren also paid tributes, reaffirming solidarity against terrorism and honoring the memory of the victims.
The event served as both a solemn remembrance and a resolute appeal for international cooperation to prevent future tragedies.
