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Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal joined dignitaries, officials and members of the Indo-Canadian community at the Kanishka Memorial in Toronto’s Humber Bay Park to honor the victims of the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, in a solemn remembrance of one of the world’s deadliest acts of aviation terrorism.
The ceremony paid tribute to the 324 people killed on June 23, 1985, when Air India Flight 182, a Boeing 747 en route from Montreal to London and Delhi, was destroyed by a bomb explosion mid-air off the coast of Ireland.
Attendees observed moments of silence and laid floral tributes at the memorial, remembering the victims and reflecting on the lasting impact of the tragedy on families and communities across Canada and India.
In a post on X after the ceremony, Goyal said: “Paid tribute today at the Kanishka Memorial at Humber Bay Park, standing in quiet remembrance of the victims of the Air India Flight 182 bombing.”
“The mid-air bombing remains one of the most tragic acts of terrorism in aviation history. I also met with family members of several victims who shared their stories of loss and resilience. India & Canada are cooperating to ensure that such a tragedy never repeats,” he added.
Following the memorial service, officials held private meetings with relatives of several victims. Family members shared personal accounts of grief and loss, while also speaking about the resilience shown by survivors and the wider community over the past four decades.
The gathering also underscored growing cooperation between India and Canada on security and counter-terrorism issues amid evolving global threats. Officials from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening intelligence-sharing and aviation security measures to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Kanishka Memorial, overlooking Lake Ontario, has become a focal point for annual commemorations, drawing families, community leaders and public officials each year to remember the victims of the bombing and renew calls for vigilance against terrorism.
