Canadian & Irish Missions Mark 41st Anniversary of Air India tragedy
Diplomatic missions in New Delhi pay tribute to 329 victims of the 1985 terrorist bombing
- 41st anniversary observed in New Delhi
- Tribute paid to 329 victims
- Canada, Ireland reaffirm anti-terror resolve
- Families, diplomats attend ceremony
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th June: The Canadian and Irish missions in India marked the 41st anniversary of the Air India Flight 182 bombing with a remembrance ceremony at Canada House in New Delhi, honouring the 329 people who lost their lives in one of the deadliest acts of aviation terrorism.
The ceremony was attended by families of the victims, senior officials of the Government of India and members of the diplomatic community. Participants laid wreaths at a memorial tree planted at Canada House in 2025 and observed a moment of silence in memory of those who perished in the attack. Guests also signed a remembrance book to pay tribute to the victims.
Speaking on the occasion, Canadian High Commissioner to India Chris Cooter said the Air India Flight 182 tragedy remains a painful chapter in Canada’s history and a solemn reminder that terrorism has no place in society. He said Canada stands in solidarity with the families of the victims and remains committed, along with India, Ireland and international partners, to promoting peace, security and justice.
Deputy Ambassador of Ireland to India Raymond Mullen said the event honoured those who were lost and recognised the courage of families who have carried the pain of the tragedy for more than four decades. He said remembrance and unity strengthen the collective resolve to reject hatred and build a peaceful future.
Air India Flight 182, operating on the Montreal-London-Delhi route, was destroyed by a bomb on June 23, 1985, while flying at an altitude of about 9,400 metres over Irish airspace. The Boeing 747 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 329 people on board.
The victims included 268 Canadians, 27 British citizens, 22 Indian citizens, 10 Americans and two individuals whose nationality was not definitively recorded.
Following the bombing, relatives of the victims travelled to Ireland, where the Irish Naval Service led recovery operations. The village of Ahakista in County Cork erected a permanent memorial in 1986 and continues to host annual commemorations every June 23.
In Canada, June 23 is observed as the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, with memorials dedicated to the victims located in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.
Earlier this year, Mahesh Chandra Sharma, who lost members of his family in the bombing, was honoured with the Order of Canada. A professor at Concordia University, Sharma established scholarships in memory of his family members who were among the victims of the tragedy.
