Rubio described TRF as both a “front and proxy” for Lashkar‑e‑Tayyiba, stressing that this move followed a directive by former President Trump to pursue justice for the Pahalgam massacre. The designation empowers US authorities to block the group’s financial assets and hinder its logistical networks globally.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed the decision as “a strong affirmation of India‑US counter‑terrorism cooperation,” commending Secretary Rubio and the US State Department for acknowledging TRF's role in Pahalgam. In a post on X, Jaishankar conveyed India’s stance of zero tolerance: “Appreciate @SecRubio and @StateDept for designating TRF…It claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Zero tolerance for Terrorism. #OpSindoor”.
This move marks the latest in a series of international efforts to target TRF, which India has banned under the Unlawful Activities Act since January 2023. New Delhi has actively urged the UN to impose similar measures, presenting evidence to the UN Counter‑Terrorism Committee and Security Council to support its case.
Formed in the aftermath of the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, TRF positions itself as an indigenous insurgent group in Jammu and Kashmir, but is widely believed to be an offshoot of Lashkar‑e‑Tayyiba, operating under a veil of plausible deniability through non‑religious branding. The group has been linked to a string of violent incidents—targeting civilians, minority communities, tourists, and state security personnel—from its inception in 2019 through to the Pahalgam atrocity in April 2025.
The April attack triggered a sharp military escalation between India and Pakistan, with India launching “Operation Sindoor” strikes in Pakistan‑administered Kashmir beginning 7 May, and Islamabad calling for a ceasefire by 10 May. India’s diplomatic delegations thereafter engaged with representatives in 33 global capitals—including Washington—to spotlight Pakistan’s alleged continued support for terrorist proxies in the region.
Washington’s move has drawn commentary from analysts like Michael Kugelman of the South Asia Terrorism Portal, who noted that the designation aligns US policy more closely with India’s perspective on Pakistan‑linked terrorism and could provide a timely boost to bilateral relations after recent setbacks.
Designating TRF under Executive Order 13224 and Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the US is imposing legal and financial constraints—aiming to disrupt the group’s funding and international support. This adds to existing sanctions on LeT and underscores intensified pressure on terrorist groups operating in South Asia.
While the designation is unilateral, it is expected to amplify global action against TRF. India’s persistent campaigns at the United Nations—highlighting TRF’s operational ties to Pakistan—may gain further momentum from Washington’s stance. The move follows similar listings by India and could pave the way for more comprehensive international sanctions.
The coordinated action underscores how Washington and New Delhi are aligning their security strategies, sending a clear signal to militant networks. It may also influence broader US counter‑terror measures and diplomatic pressure within the region, reinforcing a message of zero tolerance for cross‑border terrorism.