Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has called on the international community to unite against terrorism. Speaking at the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 (Kanishka) bombing in Ahakista, Cork, Ireland, Mr Puri said, the world needs to come together to combat terrorism. He recalled the tragedy of 23rd June, 1985, when Air India Flight 182 was destroyed mid-air by a bomb planted by Canada-based terrorists, killing all 329 on board, including over 80 children. Mr Puri said the tragedy was not an accident but a deliberate, heinous act carried out by fringe elements seeking to divide India.
The Minister stressed that terrorism and extremism are not issues of the past but present-day threats that continue to endanger innocent lives across the world. Mr Puri added, India has suffered the scourge of terrorism for decades, from Jammu and Kashmir to Punjab to Mumbai.
Calling upon the Government of Canada to join India in countering this shared threat, Mr Puri said, Canada is a valued partner and friend. He urged for deeper collaboration between the two nations through intelligence sharing, counter-radicalisation efforts, and the disruption of terror financing.
Mr Puri along with his eight-member Indian delegation, paid homage to the victims of the Kanishka bombing at the Ahakista Memorial in Cork, Ireland, today. The ceremony was attended by Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Canadian Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree and families of victims, all coming together in solemn remembrance.