Hardeep Singh Puri Condemns Terrorism, Remembers Kanishka Bombing Victims with Powerful Global Unity Appeal

In a deeply emotional and resolute message, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri marked the 40th anniversary of the tragic Air India Kanishka bombing by urging the global community to come together in a united stand against terrorism. The solemn remembrance took place in Canada, where the minister paid tribute to the 329 lives lost in the 1985 terrorist attack, calling it one of the darkest days in aviation and Indian history.

A Painful Reminder of Terrorism’s Long Shadow

The Air India Flight 182, also known as the Kanishka flight, exploded mid-air off the coast of Ireland on June 23, 1985, due to a bomb planted by Khalistani extremists. All passengers, including 268 Canadian citizens, 27 British citizens, and 24 Indian nationals, perished in the attack. It was the deadliest act of aviation terrorism before 9/11 and remains a horrifying reminder of the global threat posed by terrorism.

During the commemorative event, Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized the urgent need for global unity against terrorism, stating, “This isn’t just India’s pain; it’s a shared tragedy that reveals the devastating impact of extremism across borders. It is time for nations to rise above politics and act with resolve.”

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The Unfinished Fight: Justice and Acknowledgment

Minister Puri, speaking with heartfelt conviction, noted that while the victims’ families have shown remarkable resilience, justice remains elusive. He called on the Canadian authorities to take a firmer stance against the rising Khalistani extremism on their soil.

“Commemorating the victims must be accompanied by a determination to eliminate terrorism. It’s not enough to light candles; we must also confront the forces that enable radicalism to flourish,” he added.

This statement was also seen as a subtle yet firm reminder of the diplomatic tensions between India and Canada concerning Khalistani elements operating freely in Canada.

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Global Unity Against Terrorism — A Moral and Political Imperative

Puri’s central message revolved around forging global unity against terrorism. He underlined the importance of cross-border intelligence sharing, stronger legal frameworks, and the political will to neutralize terrorism in all its forms.

“Global unity against terrorism is no longer optional. It is a necessity for peace, for democracy, and for our children’s future,” Puri stated. His appeal resonated with members of the Indian diaspora, Canadian officials, and human rights activists who were present at the ceremony.

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A Shared Grief and a Shared Responsibility

The emotional memorial service drew survivors, relatives, and communities that continue to bear the emotional burden of that devastating day. Wreaths were laid, names were read aloud, and moments of silence were observed to honor the innocent victims.

Puri noted, “Let this moment not be one of silence alone. Let it be a renewed call to action — for global unity against terrorism, for collective justice, and for unwavering remembrance.”

The victims of the Kanishka bombing were not merely statistics; they were individuals with dreams, families, and futures that were cruelly taken away. The event symbolized a broader failure of international systems to prevent such atrocities and underscored the need for collaborative counter-terrorism strategies.

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Diplomatic Layers and India’s Stronger Stand

This year’s remembrance comes at a time of strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada. The Indian government has repeatedly raised concerns about the unchecked proliferation of Khalistani propaganda in Canadian cities, some of which glorify the perpetrators of the Kanishka bombing.

Minister Puri’s remarks, while honoring the victims, also carried a diplomatic undertone aimed at pressing allies and global partners to rethink their domestic policies regarding extremism.

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Global Collaboration and the Road Ahead

India’s stance on terrorism has evolved significantly, with leaders across the spectrum urging nations to put aside political interests and work toward common frameworks that ensure accountability and justice. The Kanishka bombing, even after 40 years, serves as a brutal reminder of what happens when global unity against terrorism is lacking.

Hardeep Singh Puri concluded his address with a hopeful yet firm note: “The world may have changed, but terrorism still adapts, mutates, and strikes. We must stay ahead — united, vigilant, and committed.”

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The Message for Today’s World

The 40th anniversary of the Air India Kanishka bombing serves not just as a memorial but also as a call for global unity against terrorism. Hardeep Singh Puri’s tribute was a powerful assertion that the lives lost should not be in vain, and the international community must strengthen its resolve against the spread of extremist ideologies.

As terrorism continues to evolve in the digital age, the global response must be equally sophisticated and coordinated. By remembering the past, nations can work toward a safer and more united future.