High Commission of India
Ottawa

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PRESS RELEASE

THE 38th ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRAGIC TERROR ATTACK ON AIR INDIA FLIGHT 182 KANISHKA (MONTREAL, CANADA-LONDON, UK-DELHI, INDIA)

  On 23 June 1985, Flight no. AI 182 Kanishka flying on Montreal, Canada–London, UK–Delhi, India route, operated by Air India, the then India’s national carrier, exploded mid-air over the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Ireland, as result of a cowardly act of terror, carried out by Canada based Khalistani terrorists. 329 innocent passengers were killed - victims being Canadian and other foreign nationals, including many Indian nationals; and including children.

  This tragedy is the worst ever in Canadian aviation history on date and shall remain an unbearable loss for not only the families of the victims, but also for humanity as a whole.

  As in previous years, the High Commission of India in Ottawa and the Consulates General of India in Toronto and Vancouver, together with family members of the victims and members of the Indian Diaspora participated in solemnly remembering the victims of this dastardly act of terror, in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver on June 23.

  While thirty-eight years have passed since the cowardly act, terrorism has unfortunately assumed proportions of an existential threat to international peace and security today. It knows no borders, nationality, or race, and is a challenge that the international community faces and needs to combat collectively.

  Over the years, India has led from the front to counter terrorism, with support from like minded countries. India’s External Affairs Minister has stated: “Combating terrorism is a battle in which there is no respite. The world cannot afford attention deficit or tactical compromises.” Spirit of this statement is the best tribute to the victims of Air India Flight 182 Kanishka.

  Any act of glorifying terrorism is deplorable and should be condemned by all peace-loving countries and people.

Ottawa
23.06.2023

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