India, Ireland, and Canada jointly mark 40th anniversary of Air India Kanishka bombing

India, Ireland, and Canada have for the first time jointly commemorated the 1985 bombing of Air India flight 182, known as the Kanishka bombing, an act of Khalistani terrorism that claimed 329 lives. Marking the 40th anniversary, solemn events were held in Cork, Ireland, and New Delhi, India, to honor the victims of what was, until 9/11, the deadliest act of aviation terrorism. While Ireland has hosted an annual event, this year's joint commemoration underscores a renewed commitment to global counter-terrorism efforts and, significantly, aims to repair diplomatic ties between India and Canada.

In Cork, an Indian delegation led by Union Minister Hardeep Puri joined Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin and Canada's Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree at a memorial overlooking the ocean. Puri addressed the gathering, emphasizing the critical need for concerted global action against terrorism. He specifically called for deeper security collaboration with Canada to counter extremism and radicalism, highlighting that the destruction of the aircraft, which carried citizens from India, Canada, and the UK, was a "stain on humanity."

Puri explicitly urged Canada to deepen bilateral cooperation, including intelligence sharing, shutting off funding channels, and countering radicalization, to ensure that "separatist violence and separatist voices find sanctuary, when extremist figures glorify violence." This statement was seen as a direct reference to the activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada. A separate, closed-door event is also being held in New Delhi, attended by senior diplomats, officials, and relatives of the victims, aiming to express solidarity and strengthen counter-terrorism initiatives.

This joint commemoration also comes as India and Canada embark on a "reset" of their strained diplomatic relations, which were significantly impacted by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2023 allegation regarding Indian agents' involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India dismissed the charge as "absurd." The presence of ministers from both nations at the memorial is seen as a crucial step in rebuilding trust and bolstering security cooperation, with Puri reiterating India's commitment to partnering with Canada and other countries to ensure such tragedies are never repeated.