After China’s Block, India Wins with U.S. Backing on TRF Terror Tag

In a significant win for India, the U.S. State Department officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This action came months after China, backing Pakistan, blocked any reference to TRF in a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) statement related to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.

China Shielded TRF, But India Changed the Game

In May, following the Pahalgam incident, China had sided with Pakistan to prevent the UNSC from naming TRF in its press note. However, India continued its behind-the-scenes diplomatic push, which finally paid off with the U.S. decision to blacklist the group. A senior official revealed that Pakistan had influenced TRF to withdraw its claim of responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. Despite this move, the U.S. remained unconvinced and proceeded with the terrorist designation, thanks to India’s evidence and efforts.

Jaishankar Thanks U.S., Highlights Joint Anti-Terror Resolve

India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, expressed gratitude to the U.S. for formally recognizing TRF’s involvement in terrorism. He said, “Zero tolerance for terrorism,” and called the action a “strong affirmation” of the growing India-U.S. cooperation on counter-terrorism.

Jaishankar also reminded that TRF had claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack, and that the group operates as a proxy outfit of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. India had earlier raised this connection multiple times at the UNSC.

A strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation.

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…

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 18, 2025

U.S. Makes a Firm Statement Against Terror

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the decision in a public statement. He said, “Today, the Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).”

Rubio further added, “These actions taken by the Department of State demonstrate the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing President Trump’s call for justice for the Pahalgam attack.”

India May Push for Further UN Sanctions

Now that TRF has been officially labelled a global terrorist group by the U.S., India plans to use this momentum to press the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to impose sanctions under the global counter-terrorism framework. Such sanctions could include travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes on TRF members and entities supporting them.

New Delhi has long maintained that TRF is merely a rebranded version of Lashkar-e-Taiba, created to deflect global scrutiny from Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism. By highlighting the U.S. decision at the UN, India aims to build a stronger case for accountability and isolate groups that attempt to operate under false identities.

This development is not just a symbolic win but also a diplomatic lever that could force the international community to recognize and act against terror proxies. It also intensifies global pressure on Pakistan to crack down on terror financing and the use of front organizations.

This latest move shows how consistent diplomacy and international partnerships can help counter global terrorism. India’s success in securing TRF’s designation marks a major strategic blow to terror networks and their backers and reinforces its position as a leading voice against cross-border terrorism on the world stage.