Washington DC/IBNS: US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson has backed India in its effort to counter terrorism in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, media reports said.

Johnson called India as a "very important partner" of the US expressing optimism in a trade deal but acknowledged New Delhi's fight against terrorism almost two weeks after 26 tourists were killed at the Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Johnson said, "Look, we have great sympathy for what's happening over there and we want to stand with our allies. I think India is a very important partner to us in so many ways. I hope that the trade negotiations will work out well between the two countries.

"No one asked me about tariffs, I'm glad. Yes, but a critically important relationship for us and such a large population in such an important country. And India has to stand against terrorism there as well."

"We'll do everything we can in the US to support those efforts. And I think that's all part of this relationship as it develops. The Trump administration clearly understands the importance of that relationship and clearly understands the importance of the threat of terrorism.

"And so I think if that threat is increased, I think you'll see the administration, my belief is that they will focus more energy and resources and time to help assist with that. That's certainly our hope," he added.

India gained the US support on a day Pakistan was grilled by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) members over the Pahalgam terror attack, nuclear rhetoric and missile tests amid the simmering tension between India and Pakistan.

The UNSC members posed some tough questions to Pakistan over the involvement of Islamabad-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's involvement in the terror attack that killed 26 tourists, mostly Hindus and all men, in the popular tourist spot of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan, one of the 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC, had tried to internationalise the Kashmir situation by requesting for closed-door consultations amid the escalation of tensions between the two nuclear power-armed South Asian neighbours.

The UNSC members have reportedly condemned the attack and asked Pakistan for accountability.

Pakistan envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said his country has rejected the terror allegations and called the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty a violation of international law.

Pahalgam attack and its repercussions

On April 22, 2025, the terrorists- belonging to The Resistance Front (TRF), which is an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)- asked the victims to chant Islamic verses (kalma) and made them pull down their pants to be sure of their their non-Muslim religious identities (read circumcision)  before gunning them down before their families, including wives, children and daughters.

The massacre triggered nationwide outrage and escalated India-Pakistan tensions as New Delhi vowed to avenge the killings.

In an immediate response, India suspended the landmark Indus River water-sharing treaty and closed the Attari-Wagah road border, which acts as a lifeline of Indo-Pak trade and people-to-people ties, besides expelling diplomats, downsizing high commissions, and issuing a 48-hour deadline to Pakistani visa holders present in India to leave.

Modi gives full freedom to Indian military

Modi has given the armed forces 'complete freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing' of India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack which was targeted at Hindus.

Modi took the decision at a meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that it is 'our national resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism' and that he has 'complete faith and confidence' in the Indian military.

After the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, India conducted precision air strikes on terrorist camps in Balakot in Pakistan. The camps were run by banned terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed with the help from the Pak Army.