Kanishka was an attack on humanity: Tarun Chugh in Ireland calls for united global war against terrorism

Dublin/Chandigarh: Marking the 40th anniversary of the Air India Kanishka bombing, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh paid a solemn tribute to the 329 victims of the 1985 terror attack and called for a united global war against terrorism. “The Kanishka bombing was not just an attack on India — it was an attack on humanity,” Chugh said, addressing the Indian diaspora at the Embassy of India in Dublin. “Terrorism, in whatever form it emerges, must be condemned without compromise.”

The bombing of Air India Flight 182, which exploded mid-air off the coast of Ireland on 23 June 1985, remains one of the deadliest aviation terror attacks in history. Carried out by separatists based in Canada, the incident shocked the world and exposed the vulnerabilities of international security frameworks in dealing with transnational terrorism. It also remains a painful chapter in the history of the Indian diaspora, particularly in Canada, where many victims hailed from.

During his visit to Ireland, Chugh interacted with members of the Overseas Friends of BJP and the broader Indian community in Dublin, emphasising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a terror-free world and a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047. “We must realise the global vision of a world free of terrorism. The international community must come together to cut off its financial lifelines and eliminate this menace from its roots,” he said.

Referring to the recent Pahalgam terror attack and India’s military response under Operation Sindoor, Chugh accused Pakistan’s ISI of attempting to derail peace and development. “Such nefarious attempts to destabilise India will always be defeated by the resolve of our people and the strength of our leadership,” he declared.

Chugh also praised India’s rising global stature under PM Modi’s leadership, noting the country's transformation into the world’s fourth-largest economy. “This progress has been made possible not just by those living in India, but by the contributions of our vibrant global diaspora as well,” he said. He encouraged overseas Indians to become “cultural ambassadors” and carry the pride of India’s achievements to future generations. Highlighting India’s active diplomacy, Chugh said that PM Modi’s foreign policy had “ensured respect for every Indian citizen abroad” and positioned India as a “decisive, development-driven power” in global affairs.

The commemorative events in Ireland also saw high-level representation from the government. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri led a delegation comprising legislators from Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Delhi. The delegation joined Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Canadian Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, and families of the victims at a solemn ceremony at the Ahakista Memorial in County Cork on 23 June. The Indian delegation also met with families of the victims at a memorial event held at the Embassy in Dublin. Many family members, still carrying the emotional scars of the tragedy, appreciated the Indian government’s continued remembrance of the victims and reiterated the need for justice and accountability.” Chugh’s message was clear: that while terrorism continues to evolve, so too must the collective international resolve to defeat it, with India leading by example.