New Delhi, July 18 – In a decision that resonates with victims of terror and their families, the United States has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This move comes just months after TRF claimed responsibility for the brutal April 22 attack in Pahalgam, where 26 innocent tourists lost their lives—a tragedy that shook the nation and highlighted the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism.
India has long maintained that TRF is not a homegrown entity but a thinly veiled proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a group already notorious for its role in orchestrating deadly attacks in India. While TRF poses as a local outfit, global intelligence and counterterrorism officials have repeatedly exposed it as a rebranded arm of LeT, designed to muddy the waters of accountability.
Responding to the U.S. action, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar welcomed the move, calling it a “strong signal of India-U.S. solidarity in fighting terrorism.” In a post on social media platform X, he expressed appreciation to the U.S. State Department and Senator Rubio for recognising TRF for what it is—a front for LeT and a threat to peace and security.
The designation now means TRF faces international legal and financial restrictions, cutting off its access to funding and mobility. It also sends a clear message to groups that terrorism in any form, under any name, won’t be tolerated or overlooked.
This development is not just a diplomatic win for India—it’s a step toward justice for the victims and their families, and a reaffirmation of global resolve to dismantle the networks that breed hatred and violence. It’s also a reminder that behind every policy decision are lives affected, families torn apart, and communities forever changed.
