External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar on Thursday welcomed the United States' decision to impose sanctions on The Resistance Front (TRF), which is believed to be a proxy group of the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba. The development was hailed by India as a demonstration of increasing coordination and shared commitment between India and the US in the global fight against terrorism.
In a statement issued following the announcement, Jaishankar stated that the move reaffirms both countries’ zero tolerance approach towards terrorism and underscores the importance of targeting terrorist organizations and their affiliates, regardless of the name or structure they adopt. He emphasized that such actions help disrupt terror financing networks and prevent extremist groups from operating freely under different banners.
The US Treasury Department added TRF to its list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs), freezing any assets under US jurisdiction and prohibiting American citizens from engaging in transactions with the group. The department noted that TRF has been involved in recruiting youth, spreading propaganda, and executing attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, often using encrypted platforms to avoid detection.
India has long maintained that TRF is a front created to bypass global scrutiny of Lashkar-e-Taiba, especially after the 2008 Mumbai attacks led to heightened international pressure. The group has been linked to several recent incidents in the Kashmir Valley, including targeted killings of civilians and security personnel.
Jaishankar pointed out that international cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing and financial tracking, is essential for defeating transnational terrorist networks. He appreciated the consistent support shown by the US in taking action against groups that threaten regional and global security.
The minister further noted that India's security agencies have also taken firm measures against TRF operatives, many of whom have been neutralized or arrested in recent anti-terror operations. He stressed the need for a unified international response to eliminate safe havens and support structures that enable terrorism to survive and expand.
The Indian government sees this US action as part of a larger effort to pressure Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure operating from its territory. New Delhi has repeatedly raised the issue of cross-border terrorism at various international platforms, including the United Nations and bilateral dialogues with strategic partners.
Experts in strategic affairs believe that the latest move is also reflective of the growing convergence between India and the United States on matters of security and counter-terrorism. The two countries have been working together under various frameworks, including the Counter-Terrorism Joint Working Group and the Quad alliance.
With geopolitical tensions rising in several parts of the world, coordinated efforts like this are seen as essential for maintaining regional stability and global peace. Indian officials have expressed hope that more such actions will follow, targeting other organizations that threaten national and international security.
