| ISSUE – 11 The United States to designate The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) |
UPSC Mains Exam Oriented Practice Questions on This Issue
Question 01
What is The Resistance Front (TRF)? How is The Resistance Front (TRF) posing a threat to internal security? Explain the role of central intelligence and investigation agencies in dealing with such threats. (GS Paper -III, 15 Marks, 250 Words)
Question 02
The United States has designated The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). Critically examine how this move reflects India’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorist organisations and their supporters, in collaboration with international partners. (GS Paper- II, 10 Marks, 150 words)
Key Sources for Answer
Statement From Ministry of External Affairs
The Government of India welcomes the decision of the United States Department of State to designate The Resistance Front (TRF) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). We acknowledge and appreciate the leadership of Secretary of State Mr. Marco Rubio in this regard.
2. The TRF, a proxy of the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), has been involved in numerous terror-related activities, including the heinous attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April 2025 for which it twice claimed responsibility.
3. India has consistently emphasized the need for global cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the dismantling of terror infrastructure. The designation of TRF is a timely and important step reflecting the deep cooperation between India and the United States on counter-terrorism.
4. India remains committed to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and will continue to work closely with its international partners to ensure that terrorist organizations and their proxies are held accountable.
Statement from US Embassy & Consulates in India
The Department of State is adding The Resistance Front (TRF) as a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
TRF, a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) front and proxy, claimed responsibility for the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack which killed 26 civilians. This was the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks conducted by LeT. TRF has also claimed responsibility for several attacks against Indian security forces, including most recently in 2024.
These actions taken by the Department of State demonstrates the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting our national security interests, countering terrorism, and enforcing justice for the Pahalgam attack.
TRF and other associated aliases have been added to LeT’s designation as a FTO and SDGT pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Click Here for US Embassy Press Release
NEWS in The Hindu
NEWS in Indian Express
