New Delhi: India has strongly welcomed the recent move by the United States to officially designate The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit of the banned Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The group had earlier claimed responsibility for the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) hailed the decision as a timely step that reflects the deepening Indo-U.S. strategic understanding in tackling global terrorism. “This designation sends a powerful message that terror groups and their networks, no matter where they operate from, will face consequences,” a senior official from MEA stated.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also reacted positively to the decision, calling it a “strong affirmation” of the counter-terrorism partnership between New Delhi and Washington. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Appreciate Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the U.S. administration for designating TRF, a Lashkar proxy, as an FTO. Zero tolerance for terrorism is not just a slogan — it’s a global imperative.”
This U.S. decision comes at a critical juncture, where India continues to press the international community to isolate and penalize nations that allow terror safe havens. India has repeatedly highlighted the urgent need to dismantle infrastructure supporting terrorism in South Asia, particularly across the border in Pakistan.
While the U.S. clarified that the action aligns with its commitment to ensure justice for the victims of the Pahalgam attack, Indian security experts noted that the move could pave the way for tougher financial sanctions, asset freezes, and restrictions on individuals associated with the TRF.
India reaffirmed its policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism and assured that it would intensify efforts with global allies to dismantle such networks and ensure justice for victims of cross-border terrorism.
