Jaishankar honours Kanishka bombing victims on 41st anniversary, vows to fight terrorism
Synopsis
Forty-one years after a bomb tore apart Air India Flight 182 over the Irish coast, killing all 329 on board, EAM Jaishankar marked the anniversary from Ulaanbaatar while India, Canada, and Ireland held a joint commemoration in New Delhi — a rare show of trilateral solidarity on counter-terrorism at a moment when India-Canada ties have otherwise been under strain.
Key Takeaways
Jaishankar paid tribute to the 329 victims of the Air India Kanishka bombing on its 41st anniversary, 23 June 2025 , posting from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia .
Air India Flight 182 was destroyed by a bomb in its cargo hold over the Atlantic Ocean off the Irish coast on 23 June 1985 , killing all aboard including 22 crew members .
A commemoration ceremony was held at Canada House, New Delhi , attended by senior Indian officials and diplomats from Canada and Ireland .
Canada's High Commissioner Chris Cotter called the bombing 'a painful chapter in Canada's history' and reaffirmed solidarity with victims' families.
A memorial tree planted at Canada House in 2025 was honoured with wreaths; attendees also signed a remembrance book.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday, 23 June 2025 paid tribute to the 329 victims of the 1985 Air India Flight 182 'Kanishka' bombing and reaffirmed India's commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. The minister, currently on a two-day visit to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, marked the 41st anniversary of one of the deadliest aviation terror attacks in history.
Jaishankar's Tribute From Mongolia
Posting on X from Ulaanbaatar, Jaishankar wrote: 'Today, on the 41st anniversary of Air India 182 Kanishka bombing, we honour the memory of those who lost their precious lives in this horrific terror incident. Reaffirm our commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.' The statement underscores New Delhi's continued resolve to keep the Kanishka tragedy in global memory, even as it conducts high-level diplomatic engagements abroad.
What Happened on 23 June 1985
Air India Flight 182 was operating the Montreal–London–Delhi–Mumbai route when a bomb concealed in its cargo hold detonated over the Atlantic Ocean, off the Irish coast, on 23 June 1985. The aircraft had completed a scheduled stop at Montreal's Mirabel Airport before heading toward London. It vanished from radar shortly after establishing contact with Shannon Air Traffic Control in Ireland. All 329 people on board perished, including 22 crew members — making it the deadliest terror attack involving a Canadian aircraft and among the worst aviation disasters of the 20th century.
Commemoration Ceremony at Canada House, New Delhi
A solemn remembrance ceremony was held at Canada House in New Delhi on Tuesday, attended by senior Indian government officials and members of the diplomatic community. Canada's High Commissioner to India, Chris Cotter, and Ireland's Deputy Ambassador to India, Raymond Mullen, both paid tribute to the victims.
Participants laid wreaths at the memorial tree planted at Canada House in 2025 in remembrance of the victims, observed a moment of silence, and signed a remembrance book.
Cotter described the bombing as 'a painful chapter in Canada's history,' adding: '41 years after the Air India Flight 182 tragedy, we remember the 329 innocent lives lost and stand in solidarity with their families... together with India, Ireland, and our international partners, we reaffirm our shared commitment to remembrance, justice, and a future rooted in peace, security, and compassion.'
Mullen said: 'Terrorism leaves lasting scars, but it cannot extinguish our shared humanity. By remembering, standing together, and fostering understanding, we reaffirm our resolve to reject hatred and build a more peaceful future.'
Why This Anniversary Matters
The Kanishka bombing was attributed to Sikh extremists linked to the Babbar Khalsa militant organisation. It predated the 11 September 2001 attacks by over a decade and remains a defining moment in the history of international counter-terrorism. Notably, the joint commemoration involving India, Canada, and Ireland reflects the enduring trilateral solidarity forged in grief — even as India–Canada diplomatic relations have faced significant strain in recent years over separate issues. This is the first such ceremony since the planting of the memorial tree at Canada House in 2025.
What Comes Next
Jaishankar's visit to Mongolia is expected to cover a broader bilateral agenda beyond the anniversary commemoration. Back home, the New Delhi ceremony signals that the Ministry of External Affairs and allied diplomatic missions continue to treat the Kanishka tragedy as a live issue of counter-terrorism accountability, not merely a historical footnote.
Point of View
A grievance Indian families have voiced for decades. Remembrance without full accountability is a theme that refuses to fade from this anniversary.
NationPress
23 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Air India Kanishka bombing?
The Air India Kanishka bombing refers to the destruction of Air India Flight 182 on 23 June 1985, when a bomb in its cargo hold exploded over the Atlantic Ocean off the Irish coast. All 329 people on board, including 22 crew members, were killed, making it one of the deadliest aviation terror attacks of the 20th century.
Why did EAM Jaishankar pay tribute to Kanishka victims in 2025?
23 June 2025 marked the 41st anniversary of the Air India Kanishka bombing, and EAM Jaishankar posted a tribute on X while on a two-day diplomatic visit to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. India annually reaffirms its commitment to combating terrorism on this date in memory of the 329 victims.
Where was the 41st anniversary commemoration held?
A formal commemoration ceremony was held at Canada House in New Delhi, attended by senior Indian government officials, Canada's High Commissioner Chris Cotter, and Ireland's Deputy Ambassador Raymond Mullen. Participants laid wreaths at a memorial tree, observed silence, and signed a remembrance book.
Who was responsible for the Kanishka bombing?
The bombing was attributed to Sikh extremists linked to the Babbar Khalsa militant organisation. The attack predated the 9/11 attacks by more than 16 years and remains a landmark case in the history of international counter-terrorism.
What is the significance of India, Canada, and Ireland commemorating together?
The three countries are bound by the Kanishka tragedy — the aircraft was Canadian-operated, the bomb was loaded in Canada, and the wreckage fell in Irish waters. Their joint commemoration reflects a shared commitment to counter-terrorism accountability, notable given that India-Canada diplomatic relations have faced separate strains in recent years.
