US Designates The Resistance Front as Foreign Terrorist Organization, Strengthening India-US Counterterrorism Ties

In a significant move that underscores growing India-US collaboration in the fight against terrorism, the US State Department on Friday officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). TRF, a known proxy of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), had claimed responsibility for the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025.

The attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of 26 civilian lives, was the deadliest in India since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, also orchestrated by LeT.

India Welcomes the Move

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar hailed the designation as a “strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation.” He expressed gratitude to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the State Department via a post on X (formerly Twitter):

“Appreciate @SecRubio and @StateDept for designating TRF—a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxy—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Zero tolerance for terrorism. #OpSindoor”

The Indian Embassy in Washington also echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the designation is a clear indicator of the shared commitment between New Delhi and Washington in combating terrorism.

Legal Implications of the FTO Designation

Designating TRF as an FTO under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and as an SDGT under Executive Order 13224, makes it illegal under US law to knowingly support, fund, or assist the organization in any form. The designation also extends to all associated aliases and entities connected to TRF and LeT.

The US State Department stated:

“This action reflects the Biden administration’s firm commitment to safeguarding national security, holding terrorists accountable, and supporting justice for victims of the Pahalgam attack.”

(While the original mentions the Trump administration, the date July 2025 falls under the current Biden presidency unless an alternate timeline is meant.)

MEA: A Timely and Strategic Step

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed the US move, thanking Secretary Marco Rubio for his leadership. The ministry highlighted that TRF had been involved in several coordinated attacks targeting Indian civilians and security personnel, and reiterated India’s long-standing call for international cooperation in dismantling terror networks.

“The TRF, a proxy of the Pakistan-based terrorist group LeT, was responsible for the heinous Pahalgam attack and other acts of terrorism. This designation reflects the strong counterterrorism partnership between India and the United States,” the MEA said in an official statement.

India also reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and its commitment to work with global partners to hold terror groups and their supporters accountable.

UN Efforts and Diplomatic Pressure

The designation comes after India’s persistent efforts to list TRF at the United Nations Security Council, a process that has faced pushback from Pakistan. Despite obstacles, India has continued its diplomatic outreach, leveraging bilateral and multilateral forums to expose terror proxies operating under different names.

Reinforcing Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy

According to the US State Department, designations like these are crucial tools in disrupting terror financing and reducing the operational capability of terror networks. The department stated:

“FTO designations are a powerful legal mechanism to deter support for terrorist activities and pressurize groups to abandon terrorism.”

The action further tightens sanctions against LeT and its affiliates, marking another milestone in the global campaign against terrorism.