US Bans TRF: ‘Zero Tolerance for Terrorism’ Will TRF’s Designation Mark Shift in Global Policy on Kashmir Militancy ? Pakistan In Soup

Both a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) have been officially named by the US as The Resistance Front (TRF). The TRF is a secret front for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

This latest development shows how the "zero tolerance for terrorism" policy is being used. In his speech as Secretary of State, Marco Rubio stressed TRF's part in planning the April 22 Pahalgam massacre in Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. He also confirmed that TRF is a front for LeT, saying that former President Trump told them to get justice for the victims.

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

Why TRF Is Important

The TRF was formed in 2019 as criticism of LeT grew. Unlike previous LeT operations, TRF acts like a Kashmiri uprising that started on its own, hiding its ties to Islamabad and LeT so that they can be easily denied. Indian intelligence has linked the group to a number of militant attacks, ranging from attacks on security forces to attacks on pilgrims. The group is also taking advantage of better access to Western financial channels.

The effects on strategy and diplomacy

India was happy about the US label because it was strong proof of its claims that cross-border militancy is linked to Pakistan's security forces. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called the move a "strong affirmation" of the US and India's commitment to working together to fight terrorists. The government of Prime Minister Modi sees this move as a boost to its diplomatic campaign to put pressure on the TRF's network. This campaign already includes a review in 2023 before the UN 1267 sanctions committee.

However, the Pahalgam massacre and ongoing militant activities in Kashmir show that there is still a stubborn insurgency. Delhi had thought that this insurgency would go away after taking away Kashmir's semi-autonomous status in 2019.

Pakistan is now in the hot seat

Officially, Islamabad says that the government does not back militants, but New Delhi and now Washington have said many times that it protects LeT and other related groups like TRF. Pakistan wants independent investigations and points to its own attempts to fight terrorism, but some experts say these aren't comprehensive.

Will the world's approach to militancy in Kashmir change?

The US's move could, in fact, mean a new global stance:

Financial chokehold: FTO/SDGT status leads to automatic US sanctions and access limits, which make it impossible for TRF to get money from other countries.

Pressure on Islamabad: Pakistan may feel like it has to cut back on its help because the US and India are looking closely at it, though some doubters point out that the military's entrenched role has not been solved.

But real policy changes rely on whether countries like China, which often look out for Pakistan's best interests at the UN, agree with the US or try to stop expansion at meetings like the 1267 committee.

In conclusion, the US's designation of TRF is a major step forward in the fight against terrorists around the world. Even though it won't end the fighting in Kashmir right away, it could change the diplomatic landscape by putting more pressure on Pakistan and supporting India's plan for long-term security in the region.