Is India's Counter-Terrorism Cooperation with the US Strengthened by TRF Designation?

New Delhi, July 18 (NationPress) In response to the United States' designation of The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar praised this decision as a strong endorsement of India-US counter-terrorism collaboration.

In a statement on X, Jaishankar expressed on Friday: "This is a robust affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation. I appreciate @SecRubio and @StateDept for designating TRF—an affiliate of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT)—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The group claimed responsibility for the attack in Pahalgam on April 22. We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. #OpSindoor."

The announcement was made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, emphasizing that this action reinforces the Trump administration’s resolve to combat terrorism and firmly respond to any violence against civilians.

“This decision illustrates the Trump Administration’s dedication to safeguarding our national security interests, countering terrorism, and fulfilling President Trump’s demand for justice regarding the Pahalgam incident,” Rubio stated.

He noted that TRF will be included in the list of designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists according to the relevant US laws and executive orders.

“TRF, which operates as a front and proxy for Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians,” Rubio added. “This attack marked the deadliest incident against civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks perpetrated by LeT,” he mentioned.

This designation is anticipated to limit TRF's access to financial systems, enhance international scrutiny of its members, and exert pressure on Pakistan-based terror networks that have persistently targeted India.

India has consistently advocated for the global acknowledgment of TRF’s involvement in cross-border terrorism. The US decision is perceived as a diplomatic victory for New Delhi, sending a clear message that terror proxies operating under new aliases will face accountability.

This development follows a strong statement from the United Nations Security Council, condemning the Pahalgam attack and highlighting the necessity to bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.

The action comes in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 individuals lost their lives based on their religious identity. Among the victims were 25 tourists, including one from Nepal, and a local ponywalla who was shot during the assault.