Committed to take 'firm and decisive' action against terrorists, their backers: PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India is committed to taking firm and decisive action against terrorists and those who support them.

The PM made this remark here at a media interaction with visiting Angolan President João Lourenço.

"Terrorism is the biggest threat to humanity. I am thankful to President Lourenco and Angola for paying their respects to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We are committed to taking firm and decisive action against terrorists and those who support them. We thank Angola for their support in our fight against cross-border terrorism,” PM Modi said.

Modi's statement gained significance in the context of the Pahalgam terror attack that has resulted in heightened tensions with Pakistan.

The media interaction coincided with reports of Pakistan testing a surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 450 km. Hours before the launch, Indian authorities said any ballistic missile test would be seen as a 'reckless act of provocation'.

PM Modi met the President of Angola Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, at Hyderabad House, marking his first state visit to India in 38 years.

Modi also announced India's $200-million line of credit for Angola's defence force modernisation. Calling India and the African Union 'partners in progress' and 'pillars of the Global South'.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X, "Fostering India-Angola special relationship. PM @narendramodi warmly received President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco of Angola at Hyderabad House ahead of their bilateral talks."

Several memorandums of understanding were signed between the two countries in the fields of traditional medicine, agriculture, and cultural cooperation during Lourenco’s visit. Modi said India would also share its capabilities in digital public infrastructure, space technology and capacity building with Angola.