In a significant diplomatic and security development, the United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF)—the group responsible for the deadly Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmir on April 22, 2025—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This move is being widely hailed as a major victory for India’s campaign against cross-border terrorism, particularly that emanating from Pakistani soil.
The Pahalgam attack, which left 26 civilians dead—most of them tourists—was the deadliest terror attack targeting civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. TRF had initially claimed responsibility for the massacre, later retracting the claim, but Indian and US authorities have continued to identify the outfit as a front or proxy for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), already long listed as a terror group by both the US and the United Nations.
Affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation
Responding to the US decision, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar praised the action as a “strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation”. In a statement and a post on X, Jaishankar thanked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for taking this step, reiterating New Delhi’s zero tolerance for terrorism and underscoring the importance of global partnerships in dismantling terror networks.
The MEA noted, “The Government of India welcomes the decision of the United States Department of State to designate The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT)… We appreciate the leadership of Secretary Rubio in this regard”. The Indian embassy in Washington echoed this sentiment, calling the step “another demonstration” of strong bilateral cooperation.
Implications of the US terror designation
Designating an outfit as an FTO under US law makes it a federal crime to provide material support, financing, advice, or assistance to the group. This severely restricts TRF’s access to international resources and support, effectively isolating it economically and diplomatically. Donations, economic transactions, and even indirect assistance to TRF now carry severe legal penalties in the US. The move also sends a signal to the global community, helping India push for further steps at forums like the United Nations.
Sources in the Indian government pointed out that this designation increases international pressure on TRF, stigmatizing it and deterring both fundraising and recruitment efforts. The US State Department said the action demonstrates Washington’s “commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump’s call for justice for the Pahalgam attack”. The linkage to LeT was highlighted, reflecting both US and Indian intelligence consensus.
TRF’s rise and pattern of attacks
Emerging in 2019, the TRF is described by Indian authorities and independent analysts as a cover organization and offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba. The group has orchestrated or claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on civilians and security forces, including multiple incidents in 2024 and 2025, amplifying concerns about the evolving tactics of terror networks operating in the region.
The US State Department noted, “TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024”.
Domestic and diplomatic fallout
India’s Ministry of External Affairs underscored that the designation will support ongoing efforts to curb terror financing, promote further international cooperation, and encourage other nations to adopt similarly tough stances on Pakistan-backed terror outfits. “India remains committed to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that terrorist organisations and their proxies are held accountable,” the MEA said.
Operation Sindoor, launched by India in response to the Pahalgam massacre, has targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Indian officials say the US move is likely to facilitate further operations against terror infrastructure and encourage coordinated action at the United Nations Security Council, where earlier attempts to name TRF were blocked by Pakistan.
Analysts and government sources suggest this marks a turning point in Indo-US counter-terrorism alignment, reinforcing a united front against extremist outfits jeopardizing civilian lives and regional stability. The designation also reinforces the signal that nations enabling or sheltering such groups cannot escape international scrutiny or sanctions. As both US and Indian leaders reiterated, there can be zero tolerance for terrorism in any form.
This high-level designation of TRF as an FTO and SDGT not only targets a key node in the LeT terror web but also strengthens India’s diplomatic and security hand in the ongoing global fight against terrorism.
