SCO ‘Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)’ Meeting

A three-day meeting is held under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).

What is SCO RATS and what is its aim?

Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent body of SCO. It aims to counter extremism, terrorism, and separatism in the region. Its headquarters is in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Which country hosted the SCO RATS meeting?

The SCO RATS meeting is hosted by India in New Delhi. The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) organized the meeting. India is the chair of the Council of SCO RATS since October 28, 2021.

What issue was focused on at the meeting?

Threat from terror groups active in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan was the major focus of the RATS meeting.

Which countries attended the meeting?

Officials of Pakistan, Russia, China, and other member-states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) attended the meeting. Pakistan has sent three officials, each from the Interior, Defense, and Foreign ministries.

What is the significance of the meeting?

This is the first meeting in India since the Russia-Ukraine war and China’s transgressions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

What is Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)?

It is an economic and security grouping and its members are Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan is one of the observer states of the SCO.

Which Central Asian country is not part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)?

Turkmenistan did not join SCO due to its policy of ‘positive neutrality’.

When will India host Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit?

In 2023, India will host the SCO summit, which will be attended by the leaders of SCO member countries.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2022

Category: Summits and Conferences