National News: In a significant diplomatic breakthrough for India, the United States has officially designated ‘The Resistance Front’ (TRF), a Pakistan-supported terror group, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). This move follows the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 Indian citizens lost their lives in April 2025.
Boost for India’s Global Anti-Terror Efforts
This declaration is expected to strengthen India’s position in the global fight against terrorism and increase international pressure on Pakistan. The step also marks an important milestone in US-India strategic cooperation.
Announcing the decision, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that classifying TRF as a terrorist group serves to enhance American national security, reinforces its commitment to fighting terrorism, and supports ongoing intelligence-sharing and security partnerships with India.
The US action came after India shared detailed evidence of TRF’s operations and its deep-rooted links with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a joint diplomatic and intelligence initiative.
TRF: A Shadow of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
The TRF is widely seen as a front organization for Lashkar-e-Taiba, created in 2019 after the Indian government's decision to revoke Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The US State Department acknowledged that TRF is essentially a rebranded version of LeT, designed to operate under a new identity while continuing terror activities.
India had earlier designated TRF as a terrorist organization under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on January 5, 2023. According to Indian intelligence agencies, TRF is known for promoting hybrid terrorism—a strategy where operatives live as regular civilians but are secretly involved in executing terror plots.
Global Crackdown Likely to Intensify
With TRF now on the US terror list, the path is clearer for further international action, including possible sanctions by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and financial crackdowns by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
This may include freezing TRF’s bank accounts, cutting off their financial supply chains, and imposing international travel bans on its members. These measures could escalate pressure on Pakistan to dismantle its support structure for such terror outfits.
India Welcomes the Move
India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, welcomed the U.S. decision, describing it as a clear reflection of the deepening cooperation between India and the United States in the fight against terrorism. He stressed that this move is in line with India's unwavering policy of "zero tolerance towards terrorism."
Major diplomatic and strategic success for India
The US declaration against TRF is a major diplomatic and strategic success for India. It not only exposes Pakistan’s covert support for terrorism but also opens doors for unified international action. India now expects more countries to follow the US lead, intensifying the global crackdown on terrorism incubated on Pakistani soil.
