NEW DELHI: The High Commissions of Canada and Ireland jointly commemorated the 41st anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 tragedy at Canada House in New Delhi on Tuesday, paying tribute to the 329 victims who lost their lives in one of the deadliest acts of aviation terrorism in history.
The solemn ceremony was attended by the High Commissioner of Canada to India, Chris Cooter, the Deputy Ambassador of Ireland to India, Raymond Mullen, families of the victims, senior Government of India officials, and members of the diplomatic community.
Tribute to Victims at Canada House
Participants gathered to honour the memory of those who perished in the June 23, 1985 terrorist attack. Attendees laid wreaths at a memorial tree planted at Canada House in 2025 and observed a moment of silence. Guests also signed a remembrance book dedicated to the victims.
The event served as a reminder of the enduring pain carried by families who have spent over four decades coping with the loss of their loved ones.
Canada Reaffirms Commitment Against Terrorism
Addressing the gathering, Canadian High Commissioner Chris Cooter said the tragedy remains a painful chapter in Canada’s history and a stark reminder that terrorism has no place in any society.
He emphasised the importance of preserving the memory of the victims while strengthening international cooperation against terrorism.
Cooter stated that Canada, together with India, Ireland, and other global partners, remains committed to promoting justice, peace, security, and compassion in honour of those who lost their lives.
Ireland Highlights Strength and Resilience of Families
Ireland’s Deputy Ambassador Raymond Mullen also paid tribute to the victims and their families, acknowledging their courage and resilience over the past 41 years.
He noted that while terrorism leaves deep and lasting scars, collective remembrance and international solidarity can help societies reject hatred and build a more peaceful future.
Mullen stressed the significance of standing together across nations to uphold shared values of humanity, understanding, and peace.
Remembering the Air India Flight 182 Disaster
Air India Flight 182, known as the ‘Kanishka’ flight, was operating on the Montreal-London-Delhi route when it was destroyed by a bomb on June 23, 1985.
The Boeing 747 aircraft exploded at an altitude of approximately 9,400 metres while flying through Irish airspace before crashing into the Atlantic Ocean.
The attack claimed the lives of all 329 people on board.
Among the victims were 268 Canadian citizens, 27 British citizens, 22 Indian citizens, 10 American citizens and 2 individuals whose nationality could not be definitively confirmed. The tragedy remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history and one of the most devastating attacks involving an Air India aircraft.
Ireland’s Historic Role in Recovery Efforts
In the aftermath of the bombing, relatives of victims travelled to Ireland, where the Irish Naval Service led extensive recovery operations to retrieve victims’ remains and aircraft wreckage from the Atlantic Ocean.
Many grieving family members were hosted by residents of Ahakista, a small village in County Cork, demonstrating extraordinary compassion during a difficult period.
A permanent memorial was established in Ahakista in 1986, and annual commemorations continue to be held there every June 23.
National Day of Remembrance in Canada
June 23 is officially observed in Canada as the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism.
Several memorials located in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa continue to stand as permanent tributes to those who lost their lives in the bombing.
The annual observance not only honours the victims but also reinforces Canada’s commitment to combating terrorism globally.
Victim’s Family Member Receives National Honour
Earlier this year, Mahesh Chandra Sharma, who lost family members in the Air India Flight 182 tragedy, was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours.
A professor at Concordia University, Sharma established scholarships in memory of his family members who died in the attack, ensuring that their legacy continues through education and future generations.
The 41st anniversary ceremony in New Delhi underscored the shared commitment of Canada, Ireland, and India to preserve the memory of the victims and strengthen international efforts to prevent terrorism worldwide.
