Ottawa, June 23: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney paid tribute on Tuesday to the victims of the Air India Flight 182 bombing that occurred in 1985. He emphasized that the memory of Canada’s deadliest terrorist attack should not only be remembered but also serve as a reminder for ongoing vigilance.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Carney remarked, “Forty-one years ago today, the bombing of Air India Flight 182 claimed the lives of 329 innocent people, including 268 Canadian citizens. This remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history.”
He continued, “On National Victims of Terrorism Awareness Day, we honor all the victims of Flight 182 and every individual who has lost their life due to terrorism and violent extremism. We stand with those individuals, their families, and the communities still bearing this heavy burden.”
On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182 was en route from Montreal to Mumbai, with stops in London and Delhi. However, during its flight over the Atlantic Ocean, a bomb stored in the cargo hold exploded, destroying the aircraft mid-air.
Carney stated, “The legacy of Air India Flight 182 demands that we not only remember it but also remain vigilant. The Canadian government is actively confronting all forms of violent extremism and condemns it unequivocally. New laws are being introduced to ensure the safety of Canadians, strengthen national security agencies, and dismantle networks that provide financial and other support to terrorism.”
He added that the government supports community-level initiatives and is providing security agencies with enhanced tools to detect, prevent, and thwart terrorist activities in a timely manner.
Carney affirmed that the government’s foremost responsibility is to ensure the safety of Canadians, which will always be our mission and priority.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also paid tribute to the victims of this horrific terrorist attack, reiterating India’s commitment to combating all forms of terrorism.
During his two-day visit to Mongolia, Jaishankar wrote on X, “On the 41st anniversary of the Air India 182 ‘Kanishk’ bombing, we honor all those who lost their precious lives in this dreadful act of terrorism. We reaffirm our resolve to fight against every form and manifestation of terrorism.”
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