Houston, September 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the 'Howdy, Modi!' event in Houston, defended the takedown of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir. The move, he said, has levelled a major blow to the forces who were sponsoring and perpetrating terrorism in the Valley. Modi went on to take stinging jibes against Pakistan in presence of US President Donald Trump. Without naming Islamabad, Modi said the entire world is aware that which country is abetting the menace of terrorism. Full Highlights of Howdy, Modi Event.

As Trump keenly heard to Modi's speech, the Indian PM said his country has initiated a decisive fight against forces which are spreading cross-border terrorism. Modi claimed that the battle against terrorism is at a crucial stage and the responsible nations should isolate elements which are attempting to fuel extremism and radicalism.

"Time has come for a decisive battle against terrorism and against those who promote terror. I want to stress on the fact that in this fight, President Trump is standing firmly with us," Modi said.

"Be it the 9/11 in the United States or 26/11 in Mumbai, where are the conspirators found? Time has come for a decisive battle against terrorism and those who encourage terrorism," the Prime Minister said, apparently hitting out at Pakistan.

PM Modi Defends Article 370 Revocation, Watch Video

The jabs against Pakistan, by the Indian PM, comes days before the two nations are expected to square off at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) over the issue of Kashmir. Both - PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan - are scheduled to address the gathering of world leaders on September 27.

Modi's tirade against Pakistan on the issue of terrorism was preceded by Trump's assurance to the Indian-American gathering that he would dedicatedly support India in the fight against Islamic terrorism. "We are committed to free the world of radical Islamic terrorism," he said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2019 12:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).