Archive · 24 Jun 2025
India, Ireland, Canada Mark 40th Anniversary of Air India Bombing
A long time ago, a plane was blown up in the sky, killing everyone on board.
This was a terrible act of terrorism.
Many people gathered to remember those who died.
The governments of India, Canada, and Ireland are working together to make sure such a thing never happens again.
They all agree this was a very bad thing and we should never forget it.
India commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Air India Kanishka bombing, calling it an act of terrorism.
The bombing on June 23, 1985, killed 329 people when the plane exploded mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri led a delegation to Ireland to attend the memorial event at the Ahakista Memorial in Cork.
Canadian and Irish officials also attended the memorial, emphasizing the impact of the tragedy.
The External Affairs Minister of India, S Jaishankar, reiterated the need for zero tolerance towards terrorism.
- Who
- Victims of the bombing, their families, Indian, Canadian, and Irish officials.
- What
- Commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Air India Kanishka bombing.
- When
- June 23, 1985 (bombing); Commemorations on June 23, 2025.
- Where
- Mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean; Memorial events in Ireland and India.
- Why
- To remember the victims and reflect on the impact of terrorism.
Governments' Stance
Community Response
The bombing
Governments' Stance
The bombing was an act of terrorism and a stain on humanity. Shared responsibility in fighting terrorism.
Community Response
The bombing was a cruel and horrific act, with the passing of time not dimming the scale of the loss.
- Event
- Air India Kanishka Bombing 40th Anniversary
- Date of Bombing
- June 23, 1985
- Victims
- 329 fatalities
- Location of Bombing
- Off the Irish Coast
- Indian Minister
- Hardeep Singh Puri, S Jaishankar
- Memorial Locations
- Ahakista Memorial (Cork, Ireland), Canada House (Delhi)
Sources
Kanishka bombing anniversary: EAM reiterates call for zero tolerance to terrorism, extremism
Air India Kanishka bombing: Canada identifies mysterious bomb-tester ‘Mr X’ after 40 years, but he died before facing justice
Reminder of why world must show zero tolerance towards terrorism: EAM on anniversary of ‘Kanishka’ bombing
On Kanishka bombing anniversary, Puri calls for global unity against terrorism
Air India Kanishka bombing: 40 years later, a look at Canada's botched investigation
Kanishka bombing anniversary: Diplomats of Canada, Ireland join victims’ families in solidarity
Mark Carney calls Air India Kanishka bombing the deadliest attack in Canada's history, but refuses to name the Khalistanis who did it
Canadian PM says Kanishka bombing anniversary reminder of commitment to fight violent extremism