India committed to decisive action against terrorists: PM

India is committed to taking "firm and decisive action" against terrorists and their backers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday in the context of the Pahalgam terror attack that has heightened tensions with Pakistan because of cross-border linkages to the incident.

- Rezaul H Laskar

NEW DELHI:

Modi, who made the remarks at a media interaction with visiting Angolan President Joao Lourenco, described terrorism as the "biggest threat to humanity". He thanked Lourenco and Angola for their condolences for the 26 people killed in the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22.

"We are committed to take firm and decisive action against terrorists and those who support them. We thank Angola for their support in our fight against cross-border terrorism," Modi said, speaking in English, while delivering the rest of his remarks in Hindi.

On Tuesday, Modi gave India's armed forces "complete operational freedom" to decide on the mode, targets and timing of the response to the Pahalgam terror attack, and emphasised the national resolve to deal a "crushing blow to terrorism".