Pahalgam attack: US designates The Resistance Front as foreign terrorist group; India welcomes the move
PTC Web Desk: The United States (US) on Thursday designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-based terror group responsible for the deadly Pahalgam attack, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The Indian government swiftly welcomed this decision, mentioning the move strengthens the ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) affirmed that Washington's decision to designate the Pakistan-based group (TRF) behind the April 22 Pahalgam attack as a foreign terrorist outfit was a strong affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation. India reiterated its consistent call for global collaboration to dismantle terror infrastructure and lauded the growing India-US partnership in countering terrorism.
"India remains committed to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and will continue working closely with its international partners to ensure that terrorist organisations and their proxies are held accountable," the statement read.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed appreciation for the US decision, calling it a significant affirmation of India-US counter-terrorism cooperation. Jaishankar acknowledged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the US State Department for designating TRF as a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the terror group responsible for several attacks in India. He further tweeted, “Appreciate the US for designating TRF—a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Zero tolerance for Terrorism.”
The terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, mostly tourists, was claimed by TRF, although the group later denied responsibility as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified TRF chief Sheikh Sajjad Gul as the mastermind behind the attack. The gunmen targeted civilians based on their religious identity, adding to the brutality of the attack.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This led to a military escalation between India and Pakistan, including border attacks, which later subsided following an agreement to end cross-border firing.
Meanwhile, India continued its diplomatic efforts, sending multi-party delegations to 33 global capitals, including Washington, to highlight Pakistan’s role in cross-border terrorism and garner international support.
- With inputs from agencies
