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Context

• India is set to host Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) anti-terror body – Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in New Delhi. India is expected to host the SCO summit in 2023.
• Counterterrorism teams from Russia, China, Pakistan and Central Asian countries will gather in Delhi ahead of the SCO-RATS meeting, the first such meeting since the India-China LAC stand-off and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

India on Terrorism

• India has been at the forefront of global action against terrorism and has always played an active role in the global promotion and protection of human rights.
• India has taken steps for setting up Joint Working Groups (JWGs) on counter-terrorism/security matters with countries. Bilateral treaties on Mutual Legal Assistance (MLATs) in Criminal matters to facilitate the investigation, collection of evidence, transfer of witnesses, location and action against proceeds of crime, etc. have been signed with other countries.
• In 2018, India highlighted its demand for a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
• Addressing the UN High-Level Conference on Heads of Counter-Terrorism (2018), India extended a five-point formula.
• In January 2021, at the 20th anniversary of the UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1373, India presented an eight-point action plan to deal with the scourge of terrorism.
• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967: It enables more effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of individuals and associations and for dealing with terrorist activities, and other related matters.
• Policy of Zero-Tolerance Against Terrorism: India calls for zero-tolerance against terrorism and focuses on developing a common strategy to curb it.

About SCO-RATS

• SCO-RATS is a permanent body of the SCO and is intended to facilitate coordination and interaction between the SCO member states in the fight against terrorism, extremism and separatism.
• The main functions of SCO-RATS are coordination and 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 of its perspective.

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