Uncovering the Funding Behind Pakistan-Linked Terror Group ‘The Resistance Front

Rapid Summary

• The U.S. State department has officially designated The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) adn Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
• TRF was reportedly involved in the Pahalgam attack in India.
• India’s external Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar referred to the designation as a “strong endorsement of the india-U.S. counter-terrorism alliance.”
• Investigations into TRF’s funding highlight sources such as foreign donations and illegal transactions allegedly supporting its anti-India activities.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The U.S.’s move to designate TRF as an FTO and SDGT underscores growing international recognition of threats posed by groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and its proxies to regional stability,particularly in South Asia. This development aligns with India’s longstanding efforts to highlight cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan-based organizations at global forums. While External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar views this designation as a testament to Indo-U.S counter-terror collaboration, questions surrounding funding mechanisms for groups like TRF remain critical, revealing vulnerabilities in international financial systems that may facilitate illicit transactions. For India, such designations could bolster diplomatic leverage and strengthen global consensus on combating terrorism effectively.

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