SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Defence | Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
The 11th International Scientific and Practical Conference of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO RATS), held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on November 20-21, 2025, focused squarely on enhancing cooperation against the perennial threats posed by the “three forces of evil” — terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Attended by over 150 representatives, the high-level dialogue emphasized the SCO’s important role in building and reforming the global security governance system.
India, a key member of the organization, consistently asserted its zero-tolerance policy throughout the discussions. India maintains that peace and prosperity cannot coexist with terrorism and demanded a clear rejection of “double standards”. New Delhi stressed the imperative need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice. The SCO also recognized the significance of cooperation in counter-radicalization, a commitment formalized in a joint statement issued during India’s Chairmanship.
The discussions underscored the need for a comprehensive and systematic approach to security, requiring strengthened solidarity and trust among member states and the intensification of inter-civilizational exchanges to eradicate the underlying factors contributing to the threats. Delegates emphasized the unacceptability of spreading radical ideology, religious intolerance, xenophobia, and aggressive nationalism. Furthermore, India raised the critical need to counter the evolving threat from terrorists’ use of technology, such as drones for cross-border smuggling of weapons and drugs. India highlighted its long-term vision for the region, encapsulated in its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) principles.
Policy Relevance: The consensus achieved on countering radicalization and the emphasis on a systematic, zero-tolerance approach align with India’s long-standing security objectives within the China and Russia-dominated bloc. India’s active participation in RATS mechanisms provides a vital platform for intelligence sharing and for pushing accountability for cross-border threats, demonstrating its commitment to strategic autonomy in Eurasian security policy.
What is the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)?→ The SCO RATS is a permanent organ of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It is the key security mechanism of the SCO, primarily tasked with coordinating cooperation among member states to combat the “three evils” of terrorism, separatism, and extremism. RATS facilitates intelligence sharing, training, and the development of joint strategies to address regional security threats.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: What specific institutional reforms are required within the RATS framework to enforce mutual accountability and penalize member states that fail to act against groups sponsoring cross-border terrorism?
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