National News: On April 22, a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, claimed 26 lives. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-backed terror outfit, claimed responsibility for the brutal assault. However, following swift Indian action, the group backtracked. Now, the United States has taken a major step, officially designating TRF as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
India has welcomed the move and extended appreciation to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, recognizing it as a key step in the global fight against terrorism.
India Backs US Action
In an official statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs praised the decision and confirmed that TRF is a shadow outfit of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—a Pakistan-based terrorist organization responsible for multiple attacks in India. The ministry emphasized that TRF had previously taken credit for multiple civilian attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and that international cooperation is critical to dismantling such terror infrastructure.
S. Jaishankar Hails Strong Bilateral Ties
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar expressed his support on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), welcoming the U.S. move.
He stated, “The designation of TRF—a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba and the group responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam attack—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) reflects the strong counter-terror cooperation between India and the United States. India remains firmly committed to a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism.” He also extended his gratitude to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his role in the action.
Priyanka Chaturvedi: The World is Uniting Against Terrorism
Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi echoed the sentiment, applauding the global stand against terrorism. She wrote, “Pleased to see The Resistance Front, a branch of LeT, designated a terrorist organization by the US. The global community is coming together against the menace of terrorism. It’s time for the world to hold states that sponsor terrorism accountable—including through measures like FATF grey listing.”
What is TRF, and who runs it?
TRF is believed to be a proxy outfit operated from Pakistan, created to give terror attacks a "local resistance" face and mask the involvement of Pakistani handlers. It is backed, financed, and armed by Lashkar-e-Taiba, operating from safe havens in Pakistan-administered territory.
Strong message against terror networks
The US designation of TRF as a global terrorist entity is a significant milestone in the international community’s fight against cross-border terrorism. India sees this as a strong message against those who shelter, support, or fund terror networks—and a new chapter in global solidarity against extremism.
