Context: Recently, a meeting held between the member nations of the SCO under the framework of the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). It is the first such meeting in India since Russia’s evasion of Ukraine and China’s transgression along the Line of actual control.

• SCO-RATS meeting agenda is to boost cooperation in fighting different global and regional security challenges.
• India has chaired the Council of Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of SCO (RATS SCO).

What is the Agenda Discussed in the Meeting?

• Situation of Afghanistan and security concerns raised due to the fall of Afghanistan in the hands of the Taliban was the main agenda of the meeting.
• India has expressed a strong desire to strengthen its security cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure, which focus on security and defence matters.

About Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure-SCO

• SCO-RATS is a permanent body of the Sanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
• It is promoting coordination and interaction between the SCO member states as per as fight against terrorism, extremism and separatism are concern.
• The main functions of SCO-RATS are information sharing.
• As a member, India has actively participated in the activities of SCO-RATS.
• India’s permanent membership would enable it to generate greater understanding among members for its perspective.

About Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO)

• SCO was created in 2001.
• It was established as a multilateral association to ensure security and maintain stability across the vast Eurasian region.
• It envisages joining forces to counteract emerging challenges and threats, and enhance trade, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
• Prior to the creation of SCO in 2001, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were members of the Shanghai Five.
• The SCO Charter was signed in 2002 and entered into force in 2003. The SCO's official languages are Russian and Chinese.

SCO has two Permanent Bodies:

• SCO Secretariat in Beijing,
• Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.

Member Nations: Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan.

Note: Recently, Iran’s bid to become a full member of the SCO has been approved.

By: Shubham Tiwari